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.     

The insertion of acetylene into the formal ruthenium-phosphorus bonds of closo-[Ru4(μ4-PPh)2(μ2-CO)(CO)10. Crystal structure of [Ru4(μ4-PPh){μ4-η3-P(Ph)CHCH}(μ2-CO)(CO)10]

Treatment of closo-[Ru₄(μ₄-PPh)₂(μ₂-CO)(CO)₁₀] with acetylene under ambient conditions leads to the insertion of the acetylene into the skeletal framework of the cluster and the formation of [Ru₄(μ₄-PPh){μ₄-η³-P(Ph)CHCH}(μ₂-CO)(CO)₁₀], the structure of which has been determined X-ray crystallographically.     

Cleavage of 1,4-diphenylbuta-1,3-diyne on a ruthenium-cobalt cluster: Synthesis and molecular structure of Co2Ru3(μ4−C2Ph)(μ3−C2Ph)(μ-dppm)(μ-CO)2(CO)9

The reaction between Ru₃(₃-²-PhC₂C=CPh)(-dppm)(CO)₈ and Co₂(CO)₈ afforded dark red Co₂Ru₃(₄-C₂Ph)(₃-C₂Ph)(-dppm)(-CO)₂(CO)₉, shown by an X-ray structure determination to contain a strongly twisted Co₂Ru₃ bow-tie cluster (central Co), to which two PhC₂ units derived from cleavage of the original diyne are attached. One a these is strongly interacting with four metal atoms, the other being attached in the familiar ¹,2²-mode. The dppm ligand remains bridging two of the Ru atoms.     

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.     

Diphenylphosphine and diphenylphosphido derivatives of [Ru3(μ-H)(μ3-ampy)(CO)9] (Hampy = 2-amino-6-methylpyridine)

The reactions of [Ru₃(μ-H)(μ-ampy)(CO)₉] (1) (Hampy = 2-amino-6-methylpyridine) with one or two equivalents of PPh₂H lead to the complexes [Ru₃(μ-H)(μ₃-ampy)(CO)₈(PPh₂H)] (2) or [Ru₃(μ-H)(μ₃-ampy)(CO)₇(PPh₂H)₂] (3), in which the PPh₂H ligands are cis to the bridging NH fragment and cis to the hydride. Complex 2 can be transformed in refluxing THF into the phosphido-bridged derivative [Ru₃(μ₃-ampy)(μ-PPh₂)(μ-CO)₂(CO)₆] (4), which contains the PPh₂ ligand spanning one of the two RuRu edges unbridged by the amido moiety, and presents an extremely high ³¹P chemical shift of 386.9 ppm. Under similar conditions, complex 3 gives a mixture of two isomers of [Ru₃(μ-H)(μ₃-ampy)(μ-PPh₂)₂(CO)₆] in a 5:1 ratio; the major product (5) has a plane of symmetry, whereas the minor one (6) is asymmetric.     

Electrochemical and Photochemical Conversion of [Ru3Ir(μ 3-H)(CO)13] into [Ru3Ir(μ-H)3(CO)12]

Electrochemical and photochemical properties of the tetrahedral cluster [Ru₃Ir( ₃-H)(CO)₁₃] were studied in order to prove whether the previously established thermal conversion of this cluster into the hydrogenated derivative [Ru₃Ir(-H)₃(CO)₁₂] also occurs by means of redox or photochemical activation. Two-electron reduction of [Ru₃Ir( ₃-H)(CO)₁₃] results in the loss of CO and concomitant formation of the dianion [Ru₃Ir( ₃-H)(CO)₁₂]^2–. The latter reduction product is stable in CH₂Cl₂ at low temperatures but becomes partly protonated above 283K into the anion [Ru₃Ir(-H)₂(CO)₁₂]^– by traces of water. The dianion [Ru₃Ir( ₃-H)(CO)₁₂]^2– is also the product of the electrochemical reduction of [Ru₃Ir(-H)₃(CO)₁₂] accompanied by the loss of H₂. Stepwise deprotonation of [Ru₃Ir(-H)₃(CO)₁₂] with Et₄NOH yields [Ru₃Ir(-H)₂(CO)₁₂]^– and [Ru₃Ir( ₃-H)(CO)₁₂]^2–. Reverse protonation of the anionic clusters can be achieved, e.g., with trifluoromethylsulfonic acid. Thus, the electrochemical conversion of [Ru₃Ir( ₃-H)(CO)₁₃] into [Ru₃Ir(-H)₃(CO)₁₂] is feasible, demanding separate two-electron reduction and protonation steps. Irradiation into the visible absorption band of [Ru₃Ir( ₃-H)(CO)₁₃] in hexane does not induce any significant photochemical conversion. Irradiation of this cluster in the presence of CO with _irr>340nm, however, triggers its efficient photofragmentation into reactive unsaturated ruthenium and iridium carbonyl fragments. These fragments are either stabilised by dissolved CO or undergo reclusterification to give homonuclear clusters. Most importantly, in H₂-saturated hexane, [Ru₃Ir( ₃-H)(CO)₁₃] converts selectively into the [Ru₃Ir(-H)₃(CO)₁₂] photoproduct. This conversion is particularly efficient at _irr >340nm.     

Structurally different divalent metallasiloxanes [Mg{O(Ph2SiO)2}2]-μ-(LiPy)-μ-{(LiPy)3(OH)(Cl)}], [Cr{O(Ph2SiO)2}-μ-(LiPy2)2], and [{O(Ph2SiO)2}Co{O(Ph2SiO)3)}-μ-(LiPy2)2] from Ph2Si(OH)2/2BuLi and the metal dichlorides

Three structurally different metallasiloxanes were formed from reactions between in situ generated suspensions of Ph₂Si(OH)₂/BuLi (1∶2) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) with, metal dichlorides MgCl₂·2THF, CrCl₂, or CoCl₂ followed by toluene/Py (Py=pyridine) work-up. The X-ray structures are reported for: [Mg{O(Ph₂SiO)₂}₂]-μ-(LiPy)-μ-{(LiPy)₃(OH)(Cl)] (1) incorporating two six-membered magnesiasiloxane rings and an MgLi₃O₃Cl cubane fragment, [{O(Ph₂SiO)₂}Co{O(Ph₂SiO)₃}-μ-(LiPy₂)₂] (2) with both six-and eight-membered cobaltasiloxane rings and [Cr{O(Ph₂SiO)₂}₂-μ-(LiPy₂)₂] (3) with two six-membered chromiasiloxane rings. Structure assembly in these cases is apparently dictated by the metal dichloride. The compound [{O(Ph₂SiO)₂}Mg{O(Ph₂SiO)₃}-μ-(CoClPy)₂]·Py (4) is formed from [{O(Ph₂SiO)₂}Mg{O(Ph₂SiO)₃}-μ-(LiPy₂)₂] and CoCl₂ (1∶2).     

New electron-deficient alkene and alkyne derivatives of Ru5(μ5-C)(CO)15: The syntheses and crystal structure analyses of Ru5(μ5-C)(CO)13 [C2H2(CO2Me)2] and Ru5(μ5-C)(CO)15 [C2(CO2Me)2]

Treatment of carbido cluster Ru₅(μ ₅-C)(CO)₁₅ with Me₃NO in acetonitrile solution followed by addition of dimethyl maleate or dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate affords new clusters Ru₅(μ ₅-C)(CO)₁₃[C₂H₂(CO₂Me)₂] (1) and Ru₅(μ ₅-C)(CO)₁₅[C₂(CO₂Me)₂] (2), respectively. Single crystal X-ray structural studies reveal that both complexes contain a wingtip-bridged butterfly pentametallic skeleton. In complex1 the maleate fragment is coordinated to one wingtip Ru atom through its carbon-carbon double bond and to the adjacent Ru atom by the formation of two O → Ru dative bonding interactions, while the acetylene dicarboxylate fragment in2 is best considered as acis-dimetallated alkene, linking one hinge Ru atom and the nearby Ru atom at the bridged position. Crystal data for1: space group P 4₂/n;a=20.199(6),c=13.941(3) Å,Z=8; finalR _F=0.025,R _w=0.026 for 3963 reflections withI>2σ(I). Crystal data for2: space group P2₁/n;a=9.634(3),b=20.062(6),c=17.372(5) Å,β=90.62(2)°,Z=4; finalR _F=0 033,R _w=0.036 for 4683 reflections withI>3σ(I).     

Addition of HCl to a Cluster-Bound Vinylidene Ligand: Preparation and Structure of Ru5(μ3-SMe)(μ3-CMe)(μ-Cl)(μ-SMe)(μ-PPh2)2(CO)9·PhMe

Addition of aqueous HCl to Ru₅( ₃-C=CH₂)(-SMe)₂(-PPh₂)₂(CO)₁₀ afforded the structurally characterized carbyne complex Ru₅( ₃-SMe)( ₃-CMe)(-Cl)(-SMe)(-PPh₂)₂(CO)₉, formed by addition of H to the vinylidene ligand; a Cl atom bridges an Ru–Ru bond.     

Synthesis of [Ru4(μ3-η2-CO)(CO)9{μ-(RO)2PN(Et)P(OR)2}2] (R = Me or Pri): Butterfly clusters of ruthenium containing a triply bridging carbonyl ligand with an unusual mode of coordination. Crystal structure of [Ru4(μ3-η2-CO)(CO)9{μ-(MeO)2PN(Et)P(OMe)2}2]

Reaction of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] with a two molar proportion of (RO)₂PN(Et)P(OR)₂ (R = Me or Prⁱ) in benzene under reflux affords a number of products including [Ru₃(CO)₁₀{μ-(RO)₂PN(Et)P(OR)₂}], [Ru₃(CO)₉{μ-(RO)₂PN(Et)P(OR)₂}{η¹-(RO)₂PN(Et)P(OR)₂}] and, as the major species, the tetranuclear derivative [Ru₄(μ₃-η²-CO)(CO)₉{μ-(RO)₂PN(Et)P(OR)₂}₂]. An X-ray diffraction study of [Ru₄(μ₃-η²-CO)(CO)₉{μ-(MeO)₂PN(Et)P(OMe)₂}₂] has revealed that the skeletal framework adopts a butterfly structure and that one of the carbonyl groups functions as a triply bridging four-electron donor ligand capping the two wing-tip and one of the hinge ruthenium atoms.     

Synthesis and characterisation of hexanuclear ruthenium clusters containing a μ4-nitrene ligand. Crystal structures of [Ru6(CO)15(μ-CO)2(μ4NH)(μ-OMe)μ3-η2-N(H)C(O)OMe] and [Ru6(CO)16(μ-CO)2(μ4-NH)(μ-OMe)(μ-NCO)]

Two hexaruthenium carbonyl clusters [Ru₆(CO)₁₅(μ-CO)₂(μ₄-NH) (μ-OMe){μ₃-η²-N(H)C(O)OMe}] and [Ru₆(CO)₁₆(μ-CO)₂-(μ₄-NH)(μ-OMe)(μ-NCO)]2 have been isolated from the pyrolysis of H₂Ru₃(CO))₉NOCH₃, and single-crystal X-ray structure analysis shows that both 1 and 2 have a square planar arrangement of four ruthenium atoms capped by a μ₄-nitrene ligand, with two additional ruthenium atoms bridging two opposite RuRu edges of the square base to form a ‘boat’ form metal framework.     

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.     

Reactions of Triruthenium Clusters with Quinolines: X-Ray Structures of [Ru3(μ-CO)(CO)7{μ3-η2-P(C6H5)CH2P(C6H5)2)}{μ-η2-C9H5(CH3)N}] and [Ru3(CO)10(μ-H){μ-η2-C9H6N}]

The reactions of [Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ-dppm)] 4 with quinolines afforded [Ru₃ (μ-CO)(CO)₇{μ₃-η²-P(C₆H₅)CH₂P(C₆H₅)₂)}{μ-η²-C₉H₅(R)N}] (8, R = 4-Me; 9, R = H) as the major products along with small amounts of known compound [Ru₃(CO)₉{μ₃-η³-P(C₆H₅)CH₂P(C₆H₅)(C₆H₄)}] 5. The molecular structure of 8 has been determined by single crystal X-ray studies. The reaction of 5 with 4-methylquinoline in refluxing cyclohexane afforded 8 and two known dinuclear compounds, [Ru₂(CO)₆{μ-CH₂P(C₆H₅)(C₆H₄)P(C₆H₅}] 10 and [Ru₂(CO)₆ {μ-(C₆H₄)P(C₆H₅)(CH₂)P(C₆H₅}] 11, in 40, 12, and 10% yields, respectively. The compounds 10 and 11 are also formed from the thermolysis of 4 in addition to the major compound 5. The solid state structure of the previously reported [Ru₃(CO)₁₀(η-H){μ-η²-C₉H₆N}] 2a is also reported for comparison.     

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.     

Coupling insertion reactions of diphenylbuta-1, 4-diyne into iron-carbene bonds of [Fe2(CO)7{μ-C(Ph)C(NEt2}]. Syntheses and reactivities of the ferracyclopentadiene [Fe2(CO)6{C(Ph)C(NEt2)C(Ph)C(C2Ph)}] with [Fe2(CO)9]

The diiron ynamine complex [Fe₂(CO)₇{-C(Ph)C(NEt₂)}] (1) reacts with the diphenylbuta-1, 4-diyne, PhCC-CCPh, in refluxing hexane to yield three isomer complexes [Fe₂(CO)₆{C(Ph)C(NEt₂)C(Ph)C(C₂Ph}] (2a), [Fe₂(CO)₆{C(Ph)C(NEt₂)C(C₂Ph)C(Ph)}] (2b), and [Fe₂(CO)₆{NEt₂)C(Ph)C(C₂)C(Ph)}] (2c) All three compounds were identified by their¹H NMR spectra. Compounds2a and2c were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Crystal data: for2a: space group = P2₁/n,a = 17.873(1) Å, = 18.388(6) Å,c = 9.429(3) Å = 91.99(3)°,Z = 4.3751 reflections,R = 0.044; for2c: space group = P2₁/n,a = 40.58(2) å,b = 12.101(9) Å,c = 12.551(5) Å, = 94.29(7)°,Z = 8.4723 reflection,R = 0.076. Complexes2a and2b result from a [2 + 2] cycloaddition between one of the CC triple bonds of the diyne ligand and the FeC carbene bond, whereas2c results from insertion of one of the CC group into the bridging carbene. Addition of [Fe₂(CO)₉] on2a gave two major products, the tripledecker [Fe₃(CO)₈{C(Ph)C(NEt₂)C(C₂Ph)}], (3 and a tetrairon cluster [Fe₄(CO)₁₁{C(Ph)C(NEt₂)C(Ph)C(C₂Ph)}] (4). Both compounds were characterized by single crystal diffraction analyses. Crystal data: for3: space group = P2₁/n,a = 12.039(3) Å,b = 18.046(3) å,c = 15.270(2) Å, = 90.11(2)°,Z = 4, 1430 reflections,R = 0.067; for4 space group = C2/c,a = 18.633(3) Å,b = 21.467(1)_Å,c = 20.742(2) Å, = 115.03(8)°,Z = 8.992 reflections, R = 0.076. Complex4 is based on a spiked triangular cluster with the alkynyl triple bond attached in ₃-parallel mode on the triangular grouping.     

Cluster chemistry. 85. Addition of a gold acetylide to an Ru5 cluster. X-ray structure of AuRu5(μ5-C2PPh2)(μ-C2Ph)(μ-PPh2)(CO)13(PPh3)

The reaction between Ru₅(₅-C₂PPh₂)(-PPh₂)(CO)₁₃ and Au(C₂Ph)(PPh₃) afforded AuRu₅(₅-C₂PPh₂)(-C₂Ph)(-PPh₂)(CO)₁₃ (PPh₃), in which the Ru₅ cluster has a scorpion geometry; the Au(PPh₃) group bridges one of the Ru-Ru bonds of the Ru₃ triangle, while the C₂Ph group bridges one of the tail Ru-Ru vectors.For Part 84, see Ref. 1.     

Reactivity of the Unsaturated Triosmium Cluster [Os3(CO)8{Ph2PCH2P(Ph)C6H4}(μ-H)] with Thiols

The reaction of the unsaturated cluster [(-H)Os₃(CO)₈{Ph₂PCH₂P(Ph)C₆H₄}] 2 with C₂H₅SH, CH₃CH(CH₃)SH and C₆H₅SH are reported. The reaction of 2 with C₂H₅SH yields the new complexes [Os₃(CO)₈(-SC₂H₅)(¹-SC₂H₅){Ph₂PCH₂P(Ph)C₆H₄}(-H)] 9 and [Os₃(CO)₈)(SC₂H₅)(Ph₂PCH₂P)(Ph)C₆H₄}] 8 in 24 and 57% yields respectively and the known compound [(Os₃(CO)₈)(-SC₂H₅)(-dppm)(-H)] 7 in 5% yield. Compound 9, which exists as two isomers in solution, converts into 8 almost quantitatively in solution at 25°C and more rapidly in refluxing hexane. Compound8 reacts with H₂ at 110°C to give 7 in high yield (86%). Treatment of 2 with propane-2-thiol yields [Os₃(CO)₈{-SCH(CH₃)CH₃}{Ph₂PCH₂P(Ph)C₆H₄}] 10 and [(Os₃(CO)₈{-SCH(CH₃)CH₃}{¹-SCH(CH₃)CH₃}{Ph₂PCH₂P(Ph)C₆H₄}(-H)] 11 in 75 and 3% yields respectively while with C₆H₅SH, [(Os₃(CO)₈(-SC₆H₅)(-dppm)(-H)] 6 is obtained as the only product in 75% yield. In both 8 and 10, the thiolato ligand bridges the Os–Os edge which is also bridged by the metallated phenyl group. The new compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses and spectroscopic methods (IR, ¹H and ³¹P NMR). The molecular structures of 7, 8, 9 and 10 are reported as determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

The synthesis of platinum and palladium cluster compounds with isocyanide or functionalised phosphine ligands. Crystal structures of [Pt5(CO)(μ-CO)5{Ph2PCH2C(O) Ph}4 and [Pt5(μ-CNC6H3Me2-2, 6)3(CNC6H3Me2-2, 6)5 {Ph2PCH2C(O) Ph}2]

The reaction of the ketophosphine ligand Ph₂PCH₂C(O)Ph (P～O) with [PtCl₂(NCMe)₂] and carbon monoxide in THF in the presence of an excess of zinc afforded the 70 electron pentanuclear cluster [Pt₅(CO)(μ-CO)₅(P～O)₄] (1). Reaction of the palladium(0) complex [Pd₂(dba)₃] CHCl₃ (dba = dibenzylideneacetone) with Ph₂PCH₂C(O)R [R = Ph or C₅H₄Fe(C₅H₅)] under SO₂ led to the pentapalladium cluster compounds [Pd₅(μ₃-SO₂)₂ (μ-SO₂)₂ {Ph₂PCH₂C(O)R}₅] (2a,R = Ph;2b,R = C₅H₄Fe(C₅H₅)), Cluster (1) reacts with 2,6-xylyl isocyanide, CNC₆H₃Me₂-2,6 to give a red cluster of formula [Pt₅(μ-CNC₆H₃Me₂-2, 6)₃ (CNC₆H₃Me₂-2, 6)₅ (P～O)₂] (3) and a green complex (4). The corresponding complexes (6) and (7) were also obtained by using PPh₃ instead of P～O. Clusters (2a) and (2b) react with [NEt₃Bz] Cl to give[NEt₃Bz][Pd₃(μ-SO₂)₂ (μ-Cl){Ph₂PCH₂C(O)R}₃](8a,R = Ph;8b,R = C₅H₄Fe(C₅H₅)). The molecular structures of (1) and (3) were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses.     

Co-ordinatively unsaturated metal cluster compounds: Facile reactivity of the phosphinidene-capped phosphido-bridged triruthenium cluster [Ru3(μ3-PPh)(μ2-PPh2)2(CO)7]

The purple, phosphinidene-capped, phosphido-bridged triruthenium cluster [Ru₃(μ₃-PPh)(μ₂-PPh₂)₂(CO)₇] reacts readily with carbon monoxide, trimethylphosphite, sodium borohydride and diphenylacetylene under mild conditions to afford product mixtures from which [Ru₃(μ-PPh)(μ₂-PPh₂)₂(CO)_7+n] (n = 1, 2 or 3), [Ru₃(μ₃-PPh)(μ₂-PPh₂)₂(CO)₆{P(OMe)₃}], [Ru₃(μ₃-η³-PhPCPhCPh)(μ₂-PPh₂)₂(CO)₆], respectively, can be isolated. The structure of [Ru₃(μ₃-PPh)(μ₂-PPh₂)₂(CO)₆{P(OMe)₃}] has been established X-ray crystallographically.