Catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in alkaline solutions

Catalytic activity of carbon, platinum-supported on high-area carbon, platinum, lead ruthenate, and ruthenium oxide towards hydrogen peroxide decomposition in alkaline solution is investigated using the rotating disk electrode technique. The heterogeneous rate constant for peroxide decomposition on these catalysts is determined from the slope of log(i_L) versus time, where i_L is the diffusion-limiting current corresponding to the concentration of peroxide at a given time. The order of catalytic activity is found to be platinum>lead ruthenate>ruthenium oxide>carbon. A general reaction mechanism for the peroxide decomposition on these catalysts is also proposed.     

Extraction behaviour of uranium,zirconium and ruthenium with gamma-irradiated sulfoxides and tri-n-butyl phosphate

The extraction, scrubbing and stripping behaviour of uranium, zirconium and ruthenium with di-n-hexyl and di-n-octyl sulfoxides in Solvesso-100 and tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) in shell Sol-T irradiated by various gamma doses (0–169 Mrads) have been investigated. 2M HNO₃ was used for extraction and scrubbing and 0.01M HNO₃ for stripping purposes. Results indicate that the extraction of uranium with TBP increases and that with sulfoxide decreases with dose. This is reflected in their corresponding scrubbing percentages too. The stripping percentage of uranium with TBP decreases with dose while the reverse is the case with sulfoxide. The extraction of zirconium with TBP increases sharply with dose as compared to sulfoxides. The extraction scrubbing and stripping of ruthenium remain almost unaffected by dose both in the case of TBP and sulfoxides. These results lead to much higher overall decontamination factors for uranium with respect to zirconium as well as ruthenium with irradiated sulfoxides as compared to those with irradiated TBP.     

Effect of ruthenium substitution in layered sodium cobaltate NaxCoO2: Synthesis, structural and physical properties

Solid-state synthesis of Na_0.71Co_1−xRu_xO₂ compositions shows that ruthenium can be substituted for cobalt in the hexagonal Na_0.71CoO₂ phase up to x=0.5. The cell expands continuously with increasing ruthenium content. All mixed Co-Ru phases show a Curie-Weiss behaviour with no evidence of magnetic ordering down to 2 K. Unlike the parent phase Na_0.71CoO₂, ruthenium-substituted phases are all semiconducting. They exhibit high thermoelectric power, with a maximum of 165 μV/K at 300 K for x=0.3. The Curie constant C and Seebeck coefficient S show a non-monotonic evolution as a function of ruthenium content, demonstrating a remarkable interplay between magnetic properties and thermoelectricity. The presence of ruthenium has a detrimental effect on water intercalation and superconductivity in this system. Applying to Ru-substituted phases the oxidative intercalation of water known to lead to superconductivity in the Na_xCoO₂ system yields a 2-water layer hydrate only for x=0.1, and this phase is not superconducting down to 2 K.     

Fundamental Differences between Group 8 Metals: Unexpected Oxidation State Preferences and Mechanisms in Ruthenium Borylene Complex Formation

The reaction of the salts K[Ru(CO)₃(PMe₃)(SiR₃)] (R=Me, Et) with Br₂BDur or Cl₂BDur (Dur=2,3,5,6‐Me₄C₆H) leads to both boryl and borylene complexes of divalent ruthenium, the former through simple salt elimination and the latter through subsequent CO loss and 1,2‐halide shift. The balance of products can be altered by varying the reaction conditions; boryl complexes can be favored by the addition of CO, and borylene complexes by removal of CO under vacuum. All of these products are in competition with the corresponding (aryl)(halo)(trialkylsilyl)borane, a reductive elimination product. The Ru^II borylene products and the mechanisms that form them are distinctly different from the analogous reactions with iron, which lead to low‐valent borylene complexes, highlighting fundamental differences in oxidation state preferences between iron and ruthenium.     

Ruthenium dihydride complexes as enyne metathesis catalysts

Ruthenium–catalyzed enyne metathesis is a reliable and efficient method for the formation of 1,3-dienes, a common structural motif in synthetic organic chemistry. The development of new transition-metal complexes competent to catalyze enyne metathesis reactions remains an important research area. This report describes the use of ruthenium (IV) dihydride complexes with the general structure RuH₂Cl₂(PR₃)₂ as new catalysts for enyne metathesis. These ruthenium (IV) dihydrides have been largely unexplored as catalysts in metathesis-based transformations. The reactivity of these complexes with 1,6 and 1,7-enynes was investigated. The observed reaction products are consistent with the metathesis activity occurring through a ruthenium vinylidene intermediate.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization and crystal and molecular structure of HRu3(OCN(CH3)2)(CO)10

Dimethylamine reacts with Ru₃(CO)₁₂ to produce the η²-hydrido-η-formamido cluster complex HRu(OCN(CH₃)₂)(CO)₁₀ (I). This formulation is consistent with spectroscopic features such as the absence of v(NH) in the infrared, the presence in the Raman of v(RuHRu) at 1400 cm^?1 (v(RuDRu) at 990 cm^?1) and indication in the ¹H NMR of diastereotopic methyl groups bonded to the nitrogen atom. Since these data could not lead to an unequivocal structure assignment a single crystal X-ray study at 115 K was undertaken. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group, P$\text{1}$ with cell dimensions; a 7.299(33) », b 9.5037(40) », c 13.7454(57) », α 91.876(34)°, β 96.387(34)°, γ 95.341(34)° and Z = 2. The structure was solved by a combination of Patterson and Fourier techniques and refined by full matrix least squares to a final R = 0.054 and R_ω = 0.074 for 3074 unique reflections. The three ruthenium atoms define a triangle of unequal sides with both the hydride and formamido groups bridging the longest edge; the formamido group is coordinated through the carbon and oxygen atoms. The edge of the ruthenium triangle bridged both by the hydrogen atom and the formamido group is 2.8755(15) »; the other two edges of the ruthenium triangle are observed to be 2.8319(15) and 2.8577(14) », respectively. In the formamido group the distance CO 1.287(9) » and CN 1.340(10) » reflect partial double bond charater in each bond consistent with observation of two chemically distinct methyl groups on the dinitrogen atom. The hydrogen atom bridging one edge of the ruthenium triangle is asymmetrically positioned at 1.73(9) » from the ruthenium atom bonded to the oxygen atom and 1.91(9) » from the ruthenium atom bonded to the carbon atom of the carboxamido group.     

A general synthesis of bis(n6−[2n]cyclophane)ruthenium(II) compounds

Hydride reduction of (n⁶-arene)(n⁶?[2_n]cyclophane)ruthenium(II) compounds, followed by treatment with acid, gives (n⁶?[2_n]cyclophane)ruthenium(II) solvates and thus provides a general synthesis for bis(n⁶?[2_n]cyclophane)ruthenium(II) compounds.     

Steric and Electronic Effects of Bidentate Phosphine Ligands on Ruthenium(II)‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide

The reactivity difference between the hydrogenation of CO₂ catalyzed by various ruthenium bidentate phosphine complexes was explored by DFT. In addition to the ligand dmpe (Me₂PCH₂CH₂PMe₂), which was studied experimentally previously, a more bulky diphosphine ligand, dmpp (Me₂PCH₂CH₂CH₂PMe₂), together with a more electron‐withdrawing diphosphine ligand, PN^MeP (Me₂PCH₂N^MeCH₂PMe₂), have been studied theoretically to analyze the steric and electronic effects on these catalyzed reactions. Results show that all of the most favorable pathways for the hydrogenation of CO₂ catalyzed by bidentate phosphine ruthenium dihydride complexes undergo three major steps: cis–trans isomerization of ruthenium dihydride complex, CO₂ insertion into the Ru?H bond, and H₂ insertion into the ruthenium formate ion. Of these steps, CO₂ insertion into the Ru?H bond has the lowest barrier compared with the other two steps in each preferred pathway. For the hydrogenation of CO₂ catalyzed by ruthenium complexes of dmpe and dmpp, cis–trans isomerization of ruthenium dihydride complex has a similar barrier to that of H₂ insertion into the ruthenium formate ion. However, in the reaction catalyzed by the PN^MePRu complex, cis–trans isomerization of the ruthenium dihydride complex has a lower barrier than H₂ insertion into the ruthenium formate ion. These results suggest that the steric effect caused by the change of the outer sphere of the diphosphine ligand on the reaction is not clear, although the electronic effect is significant to cis–trans isomerization and H₂ insertion. This finding refreshes understanding of the mechanism and provides necessary insights for ligand design in transition‐metal‐catalyzed CO₂ transformation.     

ESIMS Studies and Calculations on Alkali‐Metal Adduct Ions of Ruthenium Olefin Metathesis Catalysts and Their Catalytic Activity in Metathesis Reactions

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS) and subsequent tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analyses were used to study some important metathesis reactions with the first‐generation ruthenium catalyst 1 , focusing on the ruthenium complex intermediates in the catalytic cycle. In situ cationization with alkali cations (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, and Cs⁺) using a microreactor coupled directly to the ESI ion source allowed mass spectrometric detection and characterization of the ruthenium species present in solution and particularly the catalytically active monophosphine–ruthenium intermediates present in equilibrium with the respective bisphosphine–ruthenium species in solution. Moreover, the intrinsic catalytic activity of the cationized monophosphine–ruthenium complex 1 a ?K⁺ was directly demonstrated by gas‐phase reactions with 1‐butene or ethene to give the propylidene Ru species 3 a ?K⁺ and the methylidene Ru species 4 a ?K⁺, respectively. Ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) reactions of 1,6‐heptadiene ( 5 ), 1,7‐octadiene ( 6 ) and 1,8‐nonadiene ( 7 ) were studied in the presence of KCl and the ruthenium alkylidene intermediates 8 , 9 , and 10 , respectively, were detected as cationized monophosphine and bisphosphine ruthenium complexes. Acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization of 1,9‐decadiene ( 14 ) and ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of cyclooctene ( 18 ) were studied analogously, and the expected ruthenium alkylidene intermediates were directly intercepted from reaction solution and characterized unambiguously by their isotopic patterns and ESIMS/MS. ADMET polymerization was not observed for 1,5‐hexadiene ( 22 ), but the formation of the intramolecularly stabilized monophosphine ruthenium complex 23 a was seen. The ratio of the signal intensities of the respective with potassium cationized monophosphine and bisphosphine alkylidene Ru species varied from [I _4a ]/[I ₄ ]=0.02 to [I _23a ]/[I ₂₃ ]=10.2 and proved to be a sensitive and quantitative probe for intramolecular π‐complex formation of the monophosphine–ruthenium species and of double bonds in the alkylidene chain. MS/MS spectra revealed the intrinsic metathesis catalytic activity of the potassium adduct ions of the ruthenium alkylidene intermediates 8 a , 9 a , 10 a , 15 a , and 19 a , but not 23 a by elimination of the respective cycloalkene in the second step of RCM. Computations were performed to provide information about the structures of the alkali metal adduct ions of catalyst 1 and the influence of the alkali metal ions on the energy profile in the catalytic cycle of the metathesis reaction.     

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes supported ruthenium for glucose hydrogenation to sorbitol

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) supported ruthenium prepared with an impregnation method was used as catalyst in glucose hydrogenation to sorbitol. The effects of ruthenium loading, reaction time, temperature and initial hydrogen pressure on glucose hydrogenation were investigated. Compared with Raney Ni and ruthenium supported on Al₂O₃, SiO₂, Ru/MWNTs showed higher catalytic activity.     

Functionalization of Alkynes by a (Salen)ruthenium(VI) Nitrido Complex

Exploring new reactivity of metal nitrides is of great interest because it can give insights to N₂ fixation chemistry and provide new methods for nitrogenation of organic substrates. In this work, reaction of a (salen)ruthenium(VI) nitrido complex with various alkynes results in the formation of novel (salen)ruthenium(III) imine complexes. Kinetic and computational studies suggest that the reactions go through an initial ruthenium(IV) aziro intermediate, followed by addition of nucleophiles to give the (salen)ruthenium(III) imine complexes. These unprecedented reactions provide a new pathway for nitrogenation of alkynes based on a metal nitride.     

Ruthenium and enzyme-catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution of alcohols

Ruthenium acts as a good catalyst for the racemization reaction of secondary alcohols and amines. Ruthenium-catalyzed racemization is coupled with enzymatic kinetic resolution to prepare chiral compounds in 100% theoretical yield. Ten ruthenium complexes (1–10) act as a good catalyst the for racemization reaction and are also compatible with DKR process. Two other ruthenium complexes [RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃] and [Cp^*RuCl(COD)] are active for racemization reaction but their successful compatibility with DKR has not yet been reported. Ru/γ-Al₂O₃ and Ru–HAP are the heterogeneous catalysts used for the racemization reaction. They have also not been employed for DKR process. Polymer supported ruthenium is employed as a reusable racemization catalyst for aerobic DKR of alcohols.     

Towards the Development of a Selective Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Hydroformylation of Olefins

The ruthenium‐catalyzed hydroformylation of 1‐ and 2‐octene to give preferentially the corresponding linear aldehyde is reported. The catalyst system comprising of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ and an imidazole‐substituted monophosphine ligand allows for high chemo‐ and regioselectivity. The hydroformylation proceeds with unprecedented rates for a ruthenium‐based catalyst.     

A study of the magnetic superexchange interactions in the solid-solution series CaxSr1−xRuO3 by ruthenium-99 Mo¨ssbauer spectroscopy

Ruthenium-99 Mo¨ssbauer spectroscopy has been used to examine magnetic superexchange interactions in the distorted perovskite solid-solutions Ca_xSr_1?xRuO₃ (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5). The end members of this series also have a slightly distorted perovskite structure but CaRuO₃ is Curie-Weiss paramagnetic, with only a single-line Mo¨ssbauer spectrum, whereas SrRuO₃ is ferromagnetic and shows a broad well-resolved hyperfine pattern. For x ? 0.2 a substantial proportion of the ruthenium atoms experience a magnetic flux density (hyperfine magnetic field) close to 35T, but inward collapse of the spectrum suggests that an increasing proportion of ruthenium atoms experience smaller flux densities. For samples with x ? 0.3 there is an intense central “paramagnetic” component which increases rapidly with increasing x. The observed behaviour is incompatible with a conventional localized electron structure but can be interpreted satisfactorily on a collective electron model in which the average spin moment and hence the magnetic flux density at any given ruthenium atom is proportional to the strength of the exchange interactions with the six nearest-neighbour ruthenium atoms. The results imply that the greater electron-pair acceptor strength (Lewis acidity) of Ca²⁺ compared to Sr²⁺ results in a more effective competition with ruthenium for the oxygen anion orbitals involved in the superexchange interaction. It appears that, for a ruthenium to have a coupled spin-moment, it must have at least two exchange interactions through cube faces containing at least three strontium atoms. Possible origins of the reduced magnetic moment of SrRuO₃ are discussed and it is suggested that the latter probably stems from spin-canting rather than from partial overlap of spin-up and spin-down bands.     

Unexpected Direct Hydride Transfer Mechanism for the Hydrogenation of Ethyl Acetate to Ethanol Catalyzed by SNS Pincer Ruthenium Complexes

The hydrogenation of ethyl acetate to ethanol catalyzed by SNS pincer ruthenium complexes was computationally investigated by using DFT. Different from a previously proposed mechanism with fac‐[(SNS)Ru(PPh₃)(H)₂] ( 5′ ) as the catalyst, an unexpected direct hydride transfer mechanism with a mer‐SNS ruthenium complex as the catalyst, and two cascade catalytic cycles for hydrogenations of ethyl acetate to aldehyde and aldehyde to ethanol, is proposed base on our calculations. The new mechanism features ethanol‐assisted proton transfer for H₂ cleavage, direct hydride transfer from ruthenium to the carbonyl carbon, and C?OEt bond cleavage. Calculation results indicate that the rate‐determining step in the whole catalytic reaction is the transfer of a hydride from ruthenium to the carbonyl carbon of ethyl acetate, with a total free energy barrier of only 26.9 kcal mol^?1, which is consistent with experimental observations and significantly lower than the relative free energy of an intermediate in a previously postulated mechanism with 5′ as the catalyst.     

Spray deposited amorphous RuO2 for an effective use in electrochemical supercapacitor

The structural, surface morphological and optical properties of sprayed ruthenium oxide thin film were investigated using XRD, SEM and optical absorption measurements. The structural analysis from XRD pattern showed the formation of RuO₂ in amorphous phase. The scanning electron micrographs revealed network-like morphology of ruthenium oxide. The optical studies showed a direct band gap of 2.4 eV for ruthenium oxide films. Ruthenium oxide thin film exhibited a cyclic voltammogram indicative high reversibility of a typical capacitive behavior in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ electrolyte. A specific capacitance of 551 F/g was obtained with ruthenium oxide thin film (electrode) prepared by spray pyrolysis method. The specific capacitances of 551 and 450 F/g at the scan rate of 5 and 125 mV/s, respectively, indicate that the capacitance value varies inversely with scan rate.     

Ruthenium sorption as heterometallic complexes with phosphoryl-containing impregnated sorbents

It is shown that the main features of ruthenium extractive recovery with neutral organophosphorus compounds (L) as [RuNO(NO₂)₄ML _n ] (M = Zn, Cu, Co, Ni; n = 2–3) heterometallic complexes are retained on the sorption recovery with sorbents impregnated with L. The sorbent based on mixed trialkylphosphine oxide can be used for the chromatographic recovery of ruthenium, the extent of total ruthenium recovery at sorption-desorption stages (90–94%) retains after seven cycles.     

Reduction of Ruthenium(IV) to Ruthenium(III) in Aqueous Alcohol Solutions of Hydrochloric Acid under Microwave Radiation

The behavior of a kinetically inert form of ruthenium(IV), the -oxo-bis-[pentachlororuthenate(IV)] ion [Ru₂OCl₁₀]^4–, was studied in aqueous alcohol solutions of hydrochloric acid under microwave radiation and upon the heating of the solutions. The conditions were selected for the quantitative reduction of ruthenium(IV) to ruthenium(III) with alcohols in 0.6–10 M HCl solutions in a microwave field. The maximum time it takes to reduce ruthenium(IV) under microwave radiation (30 min) was an order of magnitude shorter than that for heating the solutions in a boiling water bath. Regardless of the type of alcohol, the most rapid reduction of ruthenium(IV) was observed at the boundaries of the studied range of hydrochloric acid concentrations. It was found that, under microwave radiation, thermal effects were the driving force of the process in a 0.6 M HCl solution at 98°C, whereas, in 8–10 M HCl solutions, the contributions of nonthermal and thermal effects were comparable. It was shown that the reducing ability of saturated monoatomic C₁–C₄ alcohols increases with the number of carbon atoms and is also due to specific features of microwave radiation.     

Efficient transfer hydrogenation of ketones in the presence of ruthenium N-heterocyclic carbene catalysts

Novel ruthenium carbene complexes have been in situ generated and tested for the transfer hydrogenation of ketones. Applying Ru(cod)(methylallyl)₂ in the presence of imidazolium salts in 2-propanol and sodium-2-propanolate as base, turnover frequencies up to 346 h⁻¹ have been obtained for reduction of acetophenone. A comparative study involving ruthenium carbene and ruthenium phosphine complexes demonstrated the higher activity of ruthenium carbene complexes.