Comparison of the Bonding of Benzene and C60 to a Metal Cluster: Ru3(CO)9(μ3-η2,η 2,η2-C6H6) and Ru3(CO)9(μ3-η2,η2,η2-C60)

The electron distributions and bonding in Ru₃(CO)₉( ³- ², ², ²-C₆H₆) and Ru₃(CO)₉( ³- ², ², ²-C₆₀) are examined via electronic structure calculations in order to compare the nature of ligation of benzene and buckminsterfullerene to the common Ru₃(CO)₉ inorganic cluster. A fragment orbital approach, which is aided by the relatively high symmetry that these molecules possess, reveals important features of the electronic structures of these two systems. Reported crystal structures show that both benzene and C₆₀ are geometrically distorted when bound to the metal cluster fragment, and our ab initio calculations indicate that the energies of these distortions are similar. The experimental Ru–C_fullerene bond lengths are shorter than the corresponding Ru–C_benzene distances and the Ru–Ru bond lengths are longer in the fullerene-bound cluster than for the benzene-ligated cluster. Also, the carbonyl stretching frequencies are slightly higher for Ru₃(CO)₉( ³- ², ², ²-C₆₀) than for Ru₃(CO)₉( ³- ², ², ²-C₆H₆). As a whole, these observations suggest that electron density is being pulled away from the metal centers and CO ligands to form stronger Ru–C_fullerene than Ru–C_benzene bonds. Fenske-Hall molecular orbital calculations show that an important interaction is donation of electron density in the metal–metal bonds to empty orbitals of C₆₀ and C₆H₆. Bonds to the metal cluster that result from this interaction are the second highest occupied orbitals of both systems. A larger amount of density is donated to C₆₀ than to C₆H₆, thus accounting for the longer metal–metal bonds in the fullerene-bound cluster. The principal metal–arene bonding modes are the same in both systems, but the more band-like electronic structure of the fullerene (i.e., the greater number density of donor and acceptor orbitals in a given energy region) as compared to C₆H₆ permits a greater degree of electron flow and stronger bonding between the Ru₃(CO)₉ and C₆₀ fragments. Of significance to the reduction chemistry of M₃(CO)₉( ³- ², ², ²-C₆₀) molecules, the HOMO is largely localized on the metal–carbonyl fragment and the LUMO is largely localized on the C₆₀ portion of the molecule. The localized C₆₀ character of the LUMO is consistent with the similarity of the first two reductions of this class of molecules to the first two reductions of free C₆₀. The set of orbitals above the LUMO shows partial delocalization (in an antibonding sense) to the metal fragment, thus accounting for the relative ease of the third reduction of this class of molecules compared to the third reduction of free C₆₀.     

(Tetragermacyclobutadiene)ruthenium tricarbonyl [η4-(But 2MeSi)4Ge4]Ru(CO)3

Tetrakis(di-tert-butylmethylsilyl)tetragermacyclobutadiene]ruthenium tricarbonyl [η⁴-(Bu^t ₂MeSi)₄Ge₄]Ru(CO)₃ is synthesized. This analogue of well-known cyclobutadiene transition metal complexes bears a tetragermacyclobutadiene derivative as ligand. The structure and spectroscopic parameters of the complex are compared with those of its iron-containing analogue [η⁴-(Bu^t ₂MeSi)₄Ge₄]Fe(CO)₃. Based on experimental data and results of quantum chemical calculations, it is shown that the π-donating ability of ligands increases upon replacement of carbon atoms in the cyclobutadiene moiety by silicon or germanium atoms, tetrasilacyclobutadiene and tetragermacyclobutadiene being comparable in π-donating activity.     

The Thermolysis of [Ru3(CO)12] in Cyclohexene: Synthesis and Charaterisation of the New Clusters [Ru3H2(CO)9(μ3-η1:η2:η1-C6H8)] and [Ru5(CO)12(μ4-η2-C6H8)(η4-C6H8)]

Thermolysis of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] in cyclohexene for 24 h affords the complexes [Ru(CO)₃(η⁴-C₆H₈)] (1), [Ru₃H₂(CO)₉(μ₂-η¹:η²:η¹-C₆H₈)] (2), [Ru₄(CO)₁₂(μ₄-C₆H₈)] (3) [Ru₄(CO)₉(μ₄-C₆H₈)(η⁶-C₆H₆)] (4a and 4b, two isomers) and [Ru₅(CO)₁₂(μ₄-η²-C₆H₈)(η⁴-C₆H₈)] (5), where 1, 3, 4a and 4b have been previously characterised as products of the thermolysis of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] with cyclohexa-1,3-diene. The molecular structures of the new clusters 2 and 5 were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, showing that two conformational polymorphs of 5 exist in the solid state, differing in the orientation of the cyclohexa-1,3-diene ligand on a ruthenium vertex.     

Synthesis of Platinum-Triruthenium Clusters Using the Zero-Valent Platinum Reagent Pt(nb)3: X-Ray Crystal Structures of Ru3Pt(CO)11(P-iPr3)2, Ru3Pt(μ-H)(μ3-η3-MeCCHCMe)(CO)9(P-iPr3), Ru3Pt(μ3-η2-PhCCPh)(CO)10(P-iPr3), Ru3Pt(μ-H)(μ4-N)(CO)10(P-iPr3) and Ru3Pt(μ-H)(μ4-η2-NO)(CO)10(P-iPr3)

The complexes Pt(nb)_3-n(P-iPr₃)_n (n=1, 2, nb=bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene), prepared in situ from Pt(nb)₃, are useful reagents for addition of Pt(P-iPr₃)_n fragments to saturated triruthenium clusters. The complexes Ru₃Pt(CO)₁₁(P-iPr₃)₂ (1), Ru₃Pt(-H)(₃-³-MeCCHCMe)(CO)₉(P-iPr₃) (2), Ru₃Pt(₃-²-PhCCPh)(CO)₁₀(P-iPr₃) (3), Ru₃Pt(-H)(₄-N)(CO)₁₀(P-iPr₃) (4) and Ru₃Pt(-H)(₄-²-NO)(CO)₁₀(P-iPr₃) (5) have been prepared in this fashion. All complexes have been characterized spectroscopically and by single crystal X-ray determinations. Clusters 1–3 all have 60 cluster valence electrons (CVE) but exhibit differing metal skeletal geometries. Cluster 1 exhibits a planar-rhomboidal metal skeleton with 5 metal–metal bonds and with minor disorder in the metal atoms. Cluster 2 has a distorted tetrahedral metal arrangement, while cluster 3 has a butterfly framework (butterfly angle=118.93(2)°). Clusters 4 and 5 posseses 62 CVE and spiked triangular metal frameworks. Cluster 4 contains a ₄-nitrido ligand, while cluster 5 has a highly unusual ₄-²-nitrosyl ligand with a very long nitrosyl N–O distance of 1.366(5) Å.     

Reaction of alkyne cluster Os3(μ-CO)(CO)9(μ3-η1:η1:η2-Me3SiC2Me) with HC≡CCOOMe. Molecular and crystal structures of Os3(CO)9{μ3-η1:η1:η2:η2-C(SiMe3)C(Me)C(COOMe)CH× and Os3(CO)8{μ3-η1:η1:η4:η1-C(SiMe3)C(Me)C(H)C(COOMe)CH× complexes

Reaction of the cluster Os₃(μ-CO)(CO)₉(μ₃-η¹:η¹:η²-Me₃SiC₂Me) with HC≡CCOOMe in benzene at 70 °C results in Os₃(CO)₉{μ₃-η¹:η¹:η²:η²-C(SiMe₃)C(Me)C(COOMe)CH× (5), Os₃(CO)₉{μ₃-η¹:η¹:η²:η²-C(SiMe₃)C(Me)C(H)C(COOMe)CH× (6), Os₃(CO)₉{μ-η¹:η¹:η⁴-C(SiMe₃)C(Me)C(H)C(COOMe)CH× (7), and Os₃(CO)_δ{μ₃-η¹:η¹:η⁴:η¹-C(SiMe₃)C(Me)C(H)C(COOMe)× complexes (8), containing an osmacyclopentadiene moiety. Complexes5–8 were characterized by¹H NMR and IR spectroscopy. The structure of clusters5 and8 was confirmed by X-ray analysis. Complex7 is formed from cluster5 as a result of a new intramolecular rearrangement and complex8 is obtained by decarbonylation of compound6. Complex8 adds PPh₃ to give Os₃(CO)_δ(PPh₃){μ-η¹:η¹:η⁴-C(SiMe₃)C(Me)C(H)C(COOMe)×.     

Synthesis and structures of the η5-C5H5Cl(CO)2W-η1,η5-(PPh2)C5H4(CO)2Fe-η1,η5-C5H4Mn(CO)3 and MeSi[C5H4(CO)2Fe-η1,η5-C5H4Mn(CO)2PPh3]3 complexes

The metallation of the η⁵-C₅H₅(CO)₂Fe-η¹,η⁵-C₅H₄Mn(CO)₃ complex with BuⁿLi (THF, ?78 °C) followed by the treatment of the lithium derivative with Ph₂PCl afforded the η⁵-Ph₂PC₅H₄(CO)₂Fe-η¹,η⁵-C₅H₄Mn(CO)₃ complex. The reaction of the latter with η⁵-C₅H₅(CO)₃WCl in the presence of Me₃NO produced the trinuclear complex η⁵-C₅H₅Cl(CO)₂W-η¹,η⁵-(Ph₂P)C₅H₄(CO)₂Fe-η¹,η⁵-C₅H₄Mn(CO)₃. The structure of the latter complex was established by IR, UV, and 1H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The reaction of MeSiCl₃ with three equivalents of LiC₅H₄(CO)₂Fe-η¹,η⁵-C₅H₄Mn(CO)₂PPh₃ gave the hexanuclear complex MeSi[C₅H₄(CO)₂Fe-η¹,η⁵-C₅H₄Mn(CO)₂PPh₃]₃.     

The first ruthenium carbonyl derivative of fullerene: (η2-C60)Ru(CO)4

Buckminsterfullerene, C₆₀, reacts with Ru(CO)₅ to give a 1:1 adduct (η²-C₆₀)Ru(CO)₄. The synthesis and spectroscopic (IR and ¹³C NMR) characterization of this compound are described.     

The mechanism of fluxionality of (1,2,7-η3-2-Me-benzyl)(η5-C5H5)Mo(CO)2

It is shown that (1,2,7-η³-2-Me-benzyl)(η⁵-C₅H₅)Mo(CO)₂ exits in solution as one isomer which is fluxional, probably via (7-η¹-2-Me-benzyl)((η⁵-C₅H₅)Mo(CO)₂, with ΔG^≠₃₇₀ = 23.6 ± 1.0 kcal mol⁻¹. In contrast, (1,2,7-η³-3-Me-benzyl)(η⁵-C₅H₅)Mo(CO)₂ exits as two isomers at −20°C, which undergo interconversion at room temperature with ΔG^≠ 15.7 kcal mol⁻¹. This dynamic process is an allyl rotation. It is probable that there is also a low energy [1,5]-sigmatropic shift.     

Solid–Gas Hydrogenation of Hex-3-yne and 1,4-Cyclohexadiene in the Presence of the Clusters Ru3(CO)12, H4Ru4(CO)12, H2Ru4(CO)13, and H2FeRu3(CO)13 Supported on Inorganic Materials. Infrared Evidence for Surface Organometallic Reactions

The clusters Ru₃(CO)₁₂ (1), H₄Ru₄(CO)₁₂ (2), H₂Ru₄(CO)₁₃ (3), and H₂FeRu₃(CO)₁₃ (4) supported on pyrex borosilicate glass behave as catalysts for solid–gas hydrogenation reactions of hex-3-yne and 1,4-cyclohexadiene. Their activity and selectivity are discussed. Ru₃(CO)₁₂ (1) was also supported on inorganic oxides, normally used as chromatographic materials or supports for heterogeneous catalysis and characterized by different acidities and surface areas. The observed activities depend on the nature of the inorganic supports; the presence of water also has some influence. Some of these materials were characterized by HRTEM microscopy. Organometallic products have been collected after the catalytic runs both when pyrex and inorganic oxides were used as supports. In particular, the surface organometallic reactions of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ and H₄Ru₄(CO)₁₂ supported on silica have been followed by IR spectroscopy. The nature and role of the arising organometallic compounds are discussed. Our solid–gas results are in good agreement with the mechanisms previously proposed for the hydrogenation of comparable substrates under homogeneous conditions.     

Solid–Gas Hydrogenation of Hex-3-yne and 1,4-Cyclohexadiene in the Presence of Ru3(CO)9(μ-H)(μ-PPh2), Ru3(CO)10(μ-H)(μ-PPh2), Ru3(CO)7(μ-PPh2)2(C6H4), and Ru4(CO)11(μ4-PPh)(C6H4) Deposited on Pyrex Glass, Silica, and Alumina

The title complexes were tested in the hydrogenation of hex-3-yne and of 1,3- and 1,4-cyclohexadiene (CHD) under solid–gas conditions. The clusters were deposited on three “standard” supports, that is, pyrex glass, alumina, and silica. All the clusters, particularly (μ-H)Ru₃(CO)₁₀(PPh₂), show hydrogenation activity. However, they are not particularly selective toward the formation of monoenes; “disproportionation” of 1,3- and 1,4-CHD to hydrogenated products and benzene also occurs. The hydrogenation activity of the clusters is dependent on their nature, the type of substrate, and the characteristics of the supporting material; silica and pyrex glass are usually more active than alumina. Attempts at detecting the formation of organometallic intermediates or by-products (through IR spectroscopy) were made. HRTEM was used to check for eventual decomposition on some supports.     

Tetracarbonyliron adducts of Cp2Cr2(CO)4(μ-η2-P2). Syntheses and crystal structures of Cp2Cr2(CO)4P2[Fe(CO)4] m (m=1 and 2)

Cp₂Cr₂(CO)₄( - ² - P₂), 1, reacts with one molar equivalent of Fe₂(CO)₉ in THF to yield the mono- and di-iron complexes, Cp₂Cr₂(CO)₄P₂[Fe(CO)₄], 2, (16.5% yield) and Cp₂Cr₂(CO)₄P₂[Fe(CO)₄]₂, 3, (16.9% yield), as dark magenta brown and dark greenish brown crystals, respectively. Both complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Crystal data –2: space group =P2₁/c,a=17.024(1) Å,b=8.180(1) Å,c=30.891(2) Å, =100.953(5)°,V=4223.4(7)ų,Z=8, 3743 observed reflections,R _F=0.033; 3: space group P1,a=10.209(2) Å,b=10.212(2) Å,c=15.989(3) Å, =106.93(1)°, =91.87(1)°, =119.50(1)°,V=1356.5(4) ų,Z=2, 3489 observed reflections,R _F=0.029.     

Crystal structure of twinned (η5-C5(CH3)4CF3) (η5-C5(CH3)5)Ru

The substituted sandwich complex crystallizes in monoclinic space groupP2₁/m withZ=2. Twinning to the (001) direction with the special conditionc ^*/4a ^* = cos ^* causes systematic superposition of the reciprocal lattices of both domains and results in an apparent unit cell with double volume and the reflection condition (2h)kl, l=2n. The structure solution was obtained with the subset of intensity data for the predominant individuum and converged atR = 0.040,R _w =0.046 for 832 independent observations and 122 variables. The molecules show disorder with respect to the crystallographic mirror plane. The structure is closely related to that of decamethylruthenocene.     

KINETICS AND MECHANISM FOR INTRAMOLECULAR ISOMERIZATION OF HRu3 (μ3-η3-EtSCCMeCMe)(CO)9 TO Ru3(μ-SEt) (μ3-η3-CCMeCHMe)(CO)9

Abstract

The kinetics for isomerization of HRu₃ (μ₃-η³-EtSCCMeCMe)(CO)₉ TO Ru₃(μ-SEt) (μ₃-η³-CCMeCHMe)(CO)₉, were determined. The overall process involves C[sbnd]H elimination, C[sbnd]S and Ru[sbnd]Ru bond cleavage and Ru₂(μ-S) bond formation. Activation parameters were determined from the temperature dependence (ΔH^? = 127(3) kJ/mol, ΔS^?= 56(11) J/mol-K) and from the pressure dependence (0[sbnd]207 MPa, ΔV^? ₀ +12.7(1.1) cm³/mol, Δβ^? = +0.037(0.012) cm³/(mol-MPa)) of the rate constant. The data are consistent with an intramolecular reaction involving significant metal-metal or carbon-sulfur bond cleavage in the transition state. The activation volume is too large to be accommodated by C[sbnd]H elimination alone and CO dissociation is not involved.     

Synthesis and reactivity of 2-(tert-butylcyclopentadienyl)-indenyl dinuclear ruthenium complex [η5:η5-(tBuC5H3)(C9H6)]Ru2(CO)4: Halogen induced Ru cleavage from indenyl ring

Thermal reaction of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ with unsymmetrical Fv ligand 2-(tert-butylcyclopentadienyl)-indene provided [η⁵:η⁵-(^tBuC₅H₃)(C₉H₆)]Ru₂(CO)₄ (2) in good yield. When 2 reacted with three or more equivalent of halogen X₂, compounds [(η⁵-^tBuC₅H₃)(C₉H₆X)]Ru(CO)₂X (X = Br, 3; I, 4) were isolated in moderate yield. In complexes 3 and 4 only the Cp rings were coordinated with Ru(CO)₂X, along with uncomplexed halogenated-indenyl rings. All the new complexes have been fully characterized. X-ray characterization of 2, 3, and 4 are also provided.     

Ligand-Promoted Transformation of the μ3-η2-Vinylidene Ligand in the Reaction between RuCo2(CO)9(μ3-η2-C=CHPh) and 4,5-Bis(diphenylphosphino)-4-cyclopenten-1,3-dione (bpcd). X-Ray Structure of RuCo2(CO)7(bpcd)(μ3-η2-C=CHPh)

The reaction of the heterometallic vinylidene cluster RuCo₂(CO)₉(₃-²-C=CHPh) with the diphosphine ligand 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-4-cyclopenten-1,3-dione (bpcd) proceeds readily in the presence of Me₃NO to furnish the new cluster RuCo₂(CO)₇(bpcd)(₃-²-C=CHPh) as the sole product. This cluster has been isolated by preparative chromatography and characterized in solution by IR spectroscopy. The molecular structure was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis, which has confirmed the chelation of the bpcd ligand to the ruthenium center and the change in the coordination mode exhibited by the vinylidene ligand. RuCo₂(CO)₇(bpcd)(₃-²-C=CHPh) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P , a = 10.5788(9), b = 11.909(1), c = 19.526(2) Å, = 84.491(9)°, = 78.068(8)°, = 63.760(7)°, V = 2158.7(4) ų, Z = 2, and d _calc = 1.581.     

Synthesis and characterisation of novel selenium-containing clusters; crystal structures of [Ru4(μ4-Se)2(CO)8(μ-CO)3] and [Ru3(μ3-Se)2(CO)7(Ph2P(CH2)3PPh2)]

The compound [Ru₄(μ-Se)₂(CO)₈(μ3-CO)₃] (1), has been obtained in good yield by vacuum pyrolysis of [RU₃(CO)₁₂] with [Ph₂Se₂] at 185°C. Reaction of 1 with 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane at room temperature affords the novel cluster [RU₃(μ₃-Se)₂(CO)₇(Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂)] (2). The structures of 1 and 2 have been determined by an X-ray diffraction study.     

The formation of metal clusters by the facile condensation of electron-deficient metal centres; X-ray crystal structures of (η-C5H5)2Rh4(CO)4Cl2(CF3C2CF3) and (η-C5H5)4Rh4Pt(CO)2(CF3C2CF3)2

When solutions of (η-C₅H₅)₂Rh₂(CO)(CF₃C₂CF₃) and [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ in hexane are mixed and left at room temperature, black crystals of the condensation product (η-C₅H₅)₂Rh₄(CO)₄Cl₂(CF₃C₂CF₃) are deposited. X-ray structure determination shows that one rhodium atom of the [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ dimer has added to the RhRh bond of (η-C₅H₅)₂Rh₂(CO)(CF₃C₂CF₃) to form a triangular Rh₃ cluster. This is capped on one side by a semi-face bridging carbonyl and on the other by a μ₃η² bound alkyne. Variable temperature NMR data reveal that two isomers of the complex co-exist in solution and that they rapidly interconvert at room temperature. In similar reactions between (η-C₅H₅)₂Rh₂(CO)(CF₃C₂CF₃) and Pt(COD)₂ in hexane at room temperature, there is loss of cyclooctadine and the formation of two cluster products. One is formulated as (η-C₅H₅)₂Rh₂Pt(COD)(CF₃C₂CF₃) and the other as (η-C₅H₅)₄Rh₄Pt(CO)₂(CF₃C₂CF₃)₂. Determination of the X-ray crystal structure of the latter establishes that the Pt is a common apex for two linked Rh₂Pt triangles. Within each Rh₂Pt unit, a semi-bridging carbonyl spans one Rh-Rh edge, and the hexaluorobut-2-yne occupies a μ₃η² face bridging position.     

Reactions of (η6-diphenylacetylene) chromiumtricarbonyl complexes with polynuclear carbonyls I. Synthesis of Cr(CO)3(η6-diphenylacetylene) complex and its reaction with Co2(CO)8. Crystal and molecular structure of Cr(CO)3(η6:η2-diphenylacetylene)Co2(CO)6

The reaction of Cr(CO)₃(NH₃)₃ with diphenylacetylene affords as a main product the complex with Cr(CO)₃ moiety bound to a phenyl ring of diphenylacetylene; Cr(CO)₃(η⁶-PhC₂Ph) (I). Complex I readily reacts with Co₂(CO)₈ yielding the mixed metal complex Cr(CO)₃(η⁶:η²-PhC₂Ph)Co₂(CO)₆ (II). The reaction proceeds with retention of the Cr(CO)₃ (η⁶-arene) structural unit, the Co₂(CO)₆ fragment being bound to the triple bond of diphenylacetylene in μ₂,η²-mode. The structure of II was determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. The complex crystallizes in space group P2₁/c with unit cell parameters a 8.666(3) Å, b 18.046(3) Å, c 15.155(6) Å. β 97.57(3)°, V 2349(2) ų, Z = 4, D_x = 1.70 g/cm³. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined by full-matrix least-squares technique to R and R_w values of 0.032 and 0.034, respectively, for 3655 observed reflections. The data obtained show that two structural units in II, Cr(CO)₃(η⁶-Ph-) and Co₂(CO)₆(μ₂,η²-CC), are distorted due to steric repulsion between these metal carbonyl moieties. The Cr(CO)₃ fragment is shifted from the centre of the phenyl ring and slightly tilted with respect to the phenyl ring plane. The Co₂C₂ tetrahedron in the Co₂(CO)₆(μ₂,η²-CC) moiety is distorted in such a way that two of the four Co_iC_j bonds are elongated.     

Regiospecific substitution of carbonyl by phosphine ligands in hydrocarbyl-substituted carbonyl clusters. Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of Fe3(CO)8(PPh3)(μ3-η2- ⊥ -EtC2Et) and (η5-C5H5)NiFe2(CO)5(PPh3)(η3-η2- ⊥-C2But)

The complexes Fe₃(CO)₈(PPh₃)(μ₃-η²- ⊥ -EtC₂Et) and (η⁵-C₅H₅)NiFe₂(CO)₅(PPh₃)(η₃-η²- ⊥-C₂Bu^t) have been obtained by treating Fe₃(CO)₉(C₂Et₂) or (Cp)NiFe₂(CO)₆(C₂Bu^t) with PPh₃ under mild conditions; the substituted clustes have been characterized spectroscopically. Structures are proposed in which the phosphine is on the unique metalatom σ-bonded to the alkyne or acetylide moiety. Replacement of CO by PPh₃ ligands rather than by addition, is observed for the formally unsaturated Fe₃(CO)₉(C₂Et₂). Reorientation of the acetylide was expected for (Cp)NiFe₂(CO)₆(C₂Bu^t) upon substitution, but was not observed.     

Reactions of the Cluster Anion [HRu3(CO)11)]− with Dicyclohexylphosphine: Synthesis and Molecular Structure of H2Ru3(CO)8(PCy2)2 and H2Ru3(CO)6(PCy2)2(HPCy2)2

The cluster anion [HRu₃(CO)₁₁]^- (1) reacts with dicyclohexylphosphine in THF solution to give the anionic derivative [HRu₃(CO)₈(PCy₂)₂]^- (2), protonation of which yields the neutral cluster H₂Ru₃(CO)₈(PCy₂)₂ (3) and, in the presence of excess phosphine, HRu₃(CO)₇(PCy₂)₃ (4). In protic methanol as reaction medium, the reaction of 1 with HPCy₂ gives directly the neutral complex H₂Ru₃(CO)₆(PCy₂)₂(HPCy₂)₂ (5), together with 4. The single-crystal structure X-ray analysis of 3 shows a closed triangular Ru₃ framework. The electron count is in accordance with the EAN rule, but the structure analysis of 5 reveals an open, almost linear Ru₃ skeleton, which is electron-deficient with respect to the EAN rule.