Preparation and reactivity of mixed-ligand iron(II) hydride complexes with phosphites and polypyridyls

Hydride complexes [FeH(N-N)P3]BPh4 (1, 2) [N-N = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen); P = P(OEt)4, PPh(OEt)2, and PPh2OEt] were prepared by allowing FeCl2(N-N) to react with phosphite in the presence of NaBH4. The hydrides [FeH(bpy)2P]BPh4 (3) [P = P(OEt)3 and PPh(OEt)2] were prepared by reacting the tris(2,2'-bipyridine) [Fe(bpy)3]Cl2.5H2O complex with the appropriate phosphite in the presence of NaBH4. The protonation reaction of 1 and 2 with acid was studied and led to thermally unstable (above -20 degrees C) dihydrogen [Fe(eta2-H2)(N-N)P3]2+ (4, 5) derivatives. The presence of the H2 ligand is indicated by short T(1 min) values (3.1-3.6 ms) and by J(HD) measurements (31.2-32.5 Hz) of the partially deuterated derivatives. Carbonyl [Fe(CO)(bpy)[P(OEt)3]3](BPh4)2 (6) and nitrile [Fe(CH3CN)(N-N)P3](BPh4)2 (7, 8) [N-N = bpy, phen; P = P(OEt)3 and PPh(OEt)2] complexes were prepared by substituting the H2 ligand in the eta2-H2 4, 5 derivatives. Aryldiazene complexes [Fe(ArN=NH)(N-N)P3](BPh4)2 (9, 10, 11) (Ar = C6H5, 4-CH3C6H4) were also obtained by allowing hydride [FeH(N-N)P3]BPh4 derivatives to react with aryldiazonium cations in CH2Cl2 at low temperature.     

Preparation and reactivity of osmium(II) hydride complexes with phosphites and polypyridyls

Chloro-complexes [OsCl(N-N)P₃]BPh₄ (1, 2) [N-N=2,2^′-bipyridine (bpy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen); P=P(OEt)₃ and PPh(OEt)₂] were prepared by allowing OsCl₄(N-N) to react with zinc dust in the presence of phosphites. Treatment of the chloro-complexes 1, 2 with NaBH₄ yielded, in the case of bpy, the hydride [OsH(bpy)P₃]BPh₄ (4) derivatives. Mono-phosphite [OsCl(bpy)₂P]BPh₄ (3) complexes were also prepared by reacting the [OsCl₂(bpy)₂]Cl compound with zinc dust in the presence of phosphite. Protonation reaction of the hydride [OsH(bpy)P₃]⁺ (4) cations with Brønsted acid was studied and led to thermally unstable (above 0 °C) dihydrogen [Os(η²-H₂)(bpy)P₃]²⁺ (4*) derivatives. The presence of the H₂ ligand is supported by variable-temperature NMR spectra and T_1min measurements. Carbonyl [Os(CO)(bpy){P(OEt)₃}₃](BPh₄)₂ (5), nitrile [Os(CH₃CN)(bpy){P(OEt)₃}₃](BPh₄)₂ (6), and hydrazine [Os(bpy)(NH₂NH₂){P(OEt)₃}₃](BPh₄)₂ (7) complexes were prepared by substituting the H₂ ligand in the η²-H₂ (4*) derivatives. Aryldiazene complex [Os(C₆H₅NNH)(bpy){P(OEt)₃}₃](BPh₄)₂ (8) was also obtained by allowing the hydride [OsH(bpy)P₃]BPh₄ to react with phenyldiazonium cation.     

Spectroelectrochemistry and localization of added electrons in ruthenium (II) mixed-ligand complexes

The ruthenium (II) mixed-ligand complexes cis-[Ru(bpy)₂(NCS)₂] (I), [Ru(bpy)₂(pn)]²⁺ (II) and [Ru(bpy)₂(phen)]²⁺ (III) (bpy, 2,2′-bipyridine; pn, 1,2-diaminopropane; phen, 1,10-phenanthroline) were subjected to two (for I and II), and three (for III) stepwise, one-electron reductions, and one-electron oxidations (all fully reversible); the products were studied in situ by solution UV—vis-near IR spectroscopy. The first two reductions took place in all cases on separate bpy ligands, while the third reduction of III took place on phen. Bands of the reduced species in the near IR—vis region are observed and assigned to anion radical ligands. Novel features of the LMCT bands of the oxidized species are presented and discussed.     

Preparation and characterization of mixed-ligand dihydrazone complexes of nickel(II)

Summary New complexes of Ni^II-containing dihydrazones derived from dehydroacetic acid as primary ligands and ammonia or pyridine as secondary ligand were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, conductance, spectral and magnetic data. The dihydrazones react with NiCl₂ in their enolic forms as bis-tridentate complexing agents, forming dinuclear dihydrazido-diamine-dinickel complexes with ammino co-ligands. The ammino complexes were treated with pyridine to give the pyridino complexes. Squareplanar geometries are proposed for all the complexes and preliminary studies show that they possess antifungal activity.     

Preparation of hydride complexes of ruthenium with bidentate phosphite ligands

Hydride complex RuH₂(PFFP)₂ (1) [PFFP = (CF₃CH₂O)₂PN(CH₃)N(CH₃)P(OCH₂CF₃)₂] was prepared by allowing the compound RuCl₄(bpy) · H₂O (bpy = 1,2-bipyridine) to react first with the phosphite PFFP and then with NaBH₄. Chloro-complex RuCl₂(PFFP)₂ (2) was also prepared, either by reacting RuCl₄(bpy) · H₂O with PFFP and zinc dust or by substituting triphenylphosphine with PFFP in the precursor complex RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃. Hydride derivative RuH₂(POOP)₂ (3) (POOP = Ph₂POCH₂CH₂OPPh₂) was prepared by reacting compound RuCl₃(AsPh₃)₂(CH₃OH) first with the phosphite POOP and then with NaBH₄. Depending on experimental conditions, treatment of carbonylated solutions of RuCl₃ · 3H₂O with POOP yields either the cis- or trans-RuCl₂(CO)(PHPh₂)(POOP) (4) derivative. Reaction of both cis- and trans-4 with LiAlH₄ in thf affords dihydride complex RuH₂(CO)(PHPh₂)(POOP) (5). Chloro-complex all-trans-RuCl₂(CO)₂(PPh₂OMe)₂ (6) was obtained by reacting carbonylated solutions of RuCl₃ · 3H₂O in methanol with POOP. Treatment of chloro-complex 6 with NaBH₄ in ethanol yielded hydride derivative all-trans-RuH₂(CO)₂(PPh₂OMe)₂ (7). The complexes were characterised spectroscopically and the X-ray crystal structures of complexes 1, 3, cis-4 and 6 were determined.     

Preparation and reactivity of iridium(III) hydride complexes with pyrazole and imidazole ligands

Pyrazole IrHCl₂(HRpz)P₂ [P = PPh₃, PⁱPr₃; R = H, 3-Me], bis(pyrazole) [IrHCl(HRpz)₂(PPh₃)₂]BPh₄ and imidazole IrHCl₂(HIm)(PPh₃)₂ derivatives were prepared by allowing the IrHCl₂(PPh₃)₃ complex to react with the appropriate azole in refluxing 1,2-dichloroethane. Nitrile IrHCl₂(CH₃CN)(PPh₃)₂ and 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) [IrHCl(bpy)(PPh₃)₂]BPh₄ derivatives were also prepared using IrHCl₂(PPh₃)₃ as a precursor. The complexes were characterised spectroscopically (IR and NMR) and a geometry in solution was also established. Protonation with Brønsted acid of pyrazole IrHCl₂(Hpz)(PPh₃)₂ and imidazole IrHCl₂(HIm)(PPh₃)₂ complexes proceeded with the loss of the azole ligands and the formation of the unstable IrHCl₂(PPh₃)₂ derivative. Vinyl IrCl₂{CHC(H)R1}(HRpz)P₂ and IrCl₂{CHC(H)R1}(HIm)P₂ (R1 = Ph, p-tolyl, COOCH₃; P = PPh₃, PⁱPr₃) complexes were prepared by allowing hydride-pyrazole IrHCl₂(HRpz)P₂ and hydride-imidazole IrHCl₂(HIm)P₂ to react with an excess of terminal alkyne in 1,2-dichloroethane. The complexes were characterised spectroscopically and by the X-ray crystal structure determination of the IrCl₂{CHC(H)Ph}(Hpz)(PPh₃)₂ derivative.     

Synthesis and reactivity of hydride and dihydrogen complexes of ruthenium with tris(pyrazolyl)borate and phosphite ligands

Chloro phosphite complexes RuClTpL(PPh₃) (1a, 1b) [L = P(OEt)₃, PPh(OEt)₂] and RuClTp[P(OEt)₃]₂ (1c) [Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate] were prepared by allowing RuClTp(PPh₃)₂ to react with an excess of phosphite. Treatment of the chloro complexes 1 with NaBH₄ in ethanol yielded the hydride RuHTpL(PPh₃) (2a, 2b) and RuHTp[P(OEt)₃]₂ (2c) derivatives. Protonation reaction of 2 with Brønsted acids was studied and led to thermally unstable (above 10 °C) dihydrogen [Ru(η²- H₂)TpL(PPh₃)]⁺ (3a, 3b) and [Ru(η²-H₂)Tp{P(OEt)₃}₂]⁺ (3c) complexes. The presence of the η²-H₂ ligand is indicated by short T_1 min values and J_HD measurements of the partially deuterated derivatives. Aquo [RuTp(H₂O)L(PPh₃)]BPh₄ (4), carbonyl [RuTp(CO)L(PPh₃)]BPh₄ (5), and nitrile [RuTp(CH₃CN)L(PPh₃)]BPh₄ (6) derivatives [L = P(OEt)₃] were prepared by substituting H₂ in the η²-H₂ derivatives 3. Vinylidene [RuTp{CC(H)R}L(PPh₃)]BPh₄ (7, 8) (R = Ph, ^tBu) and allenylidene [RuTp(CCCR1R2)L(PPh₃)]BPh₄ (9-11) complexes (R1 = R2 = Ph, R1 = Ph R2 = Me) were also prepared by allowing dihydrogen complexes 3 to react with the appropriate HCCR and HCCC(OH)R1R2 alkynes. Deprotonation of vinylidene complexes 7, 8 with NEt₃ was studied and led to acetylide Ru(CCR)TpL(PPh₃) (12, 13) derivatives. The trichlorostannyl Ru(SnCl₃)TpL(PPh₃) (14) compound was also prepared by allowing the chloro complex RuClTpL(PPh₃) to react with SnCl₂ · 2H₂O in CH₂Cl₂.     

Preparation of novel aluminohydride complexes of ruthenium(II)

Treatment of (η⁵-C₅Me₅)RuCl₂(PR₃) (1) with LiAlH₄ in diethyl ether gives the ruthenium(II) tetrahydroaluminate complexes, (η⁵-C₅Me₅)Ru(AlH₄)(PR₃) (2) (R₃ = Me₃, Et₃, ⁱPr₃, Ph₂Me, Ph₃), which can be quantitatively converted to the trihydriodurthenium(IV) complexes (η⁵-C₅Me₅)RuH₃(PR₃) (4), via protonolysis either by reaction with ethanol or by filtration through alumina. Low-temperature ¹H NMR studies suggest the fluxionality of complexes 2 in solution at ambient temperature.     

Tuning the reactivity of osmium(II) and ruthenium(II) arene complexes under physiological conditions

The Os(II) arene ethylenediamine (en) complexes [(eta(6)-biphenyl)Os(en)Cl][Z], Z = BPh(4) (4) and BF(4) (5), are inactive toward A2780 ovarian cancer cells despite 4 being isostructural with an active Ru(II) analogue, 4R. Hydrolysis of 5 occurred 40 times more slowly than 4R. The aqua adduct 5A has a low pK(a) (6.3) compared to that of [(eta(6)-biphenyl)Ru(en)(OH(2))](2+) (7.7) and is therefore largely in the hydroxo form at physiological pH. The rate and extent of reaction of 5 with 9-ethylguanine were also less than those of 4R. We replaced the neutral en ligand by anionic acetylacetonate (acac). The complexes [(eta(6)-arene)Os(acac)Cl], arene = biphenyl (6), benzene (7), and p-cymene (8), adopt piano-stool structures similar to those of the Ru(II) analogues and form weak dimers through intermolecular (arene)C-H...O(acac) H-bonds. Remarkably, these Os(II) acac complexes undergo rapid hydrolysis to produce not only the aqua adduct, [(eta(6)-arene)Os(acac)(OH(2))](+), but also the hydroxo-bridged dimer, [(eta(6)-arene)Os(mu(2)-OH)(3)Os(eta(6)-arene)](+). The pK(a) values for the aqua adducts 6A, 7A, and 8A (7.1, 7.3, and 7.6, respectively) are lower than that for [(eta(6)-p-cymene)Ru(acac)(OH(2))](+) (9.4). Complex 8A rapidly forms adducts with 9-ethylguanine and adenosine, but not with cytidine or thymidine. Despite their reactivity toward nucleobases, complexes 6-8 were inactive toward A549 lung cancer cells. This is attributable to rapid hydrolysis and formation of unreactive hydroxo-bridged dimers which, surprisingly, were the only species present in aqueous solution at biologically relevant concentrations. Hence, the choice of chelating ligand in Os(II) (and Ru(II)) arene complexes can have a dramatic effect on hydrolysis behavior and nucleobase binding and provides a means of tuning the reactivity and the potential for discovery of anticancer complexes.     

Cyclopentadienyl ruthenium and osmium complexes : II. The reactivity of π-cyclopentadienyl(triphenylphosphine)-ruthenium(II) and -osmium(II) complexes

Ruthenium and osmium complexes of the type CpMX(PPh₃)L (M = Ru; X = Cl, H, S₂COC₁₀H₁₉, S₂COMe; L & PPh₃ and PHPh₂; M = Os, X = Cl, Br, I, H, D, xanthogenate, dithiocarbamate, BPh₄, L = PPh₃). The compound CpOsCl(PPh₃)₂ is readily soluble in MeOH and in the solution the cation [CpOs(PPh₃)₂]⁺ is present. Upon addition of NaBPh₄ a white compound CpOs(PPh₃)₂BPh₄ immediately precipitates, which can not be solved in MeOH, contrary to the behaviour of the corresponding ruthenium compound.     

Preparation and reactivity of penta- and tetracoordinate platinum(II) hydride complexes with P(OEt)3 and PPh(OEt)2 phosphite ligands

The pentacoordinate [PtH{P(OEt)3}4]BF4 (1) hydride complex was prepared by allowing the tetrakis(phosphite) Pt{P(OEt)3}4 to react with HBF4.Et2O at -80 degrees C. Depending on the nature of the acid used, however, the protonation of the related Pt{PPh(OEt)2}4 complex yielded the pentacoordinate [PtH{PPh(OEt)2}4]BF4 (3) or the tetracoordinate [PtH{PPh(OEt)2}3]Y (4) [Y = BF4- (a), CF3SO3- (b), Cl- (c)] derivatives. Neutral PtHClP2 (7,8) [P = P(OEt)3, PPh(OEt)2] hydride complexes were prepared by allowing PtCl2P2 to react with NaBH4 in CH3CN. The tetrakis(phosphite)[Pt{P(OEt)3}4](BF4)2 (2) derivative was also synthesised and then characterised spectroscopically and by an X-ray crystal structure determination. Reactivity with aryldiazonium cations of all the hydrides was investigated and found to proceed only with the PtHClP2 complex to yield the aryldiazene [PtCl(ArN=NH)P2]BF4[P = PPh(OEt)2] derivative. The hydrazine [PtCl(NH2NH2){PPh(OEt)2}2]BPh4 complex was also prepared by allowing PtHClP2 to react first with AgCF3SO3 and then with hydrazine.     

Non-covalent DNA binding and cytotoxicity of certain mixed-ligand ruthenium(II) complexes of 2,2'-dipyridylamine and diimines

A series of mixed ligand ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(Hdpa)2(diimine)](ClO4)2, 1-5 where Hdpa is 2,2'-dipyridylamine and diimine is 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and a modified/extended 1,10-phenanthroline such as, 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (5,6-dmp), dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (dpq), 5-methyldipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (mdpq) and dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz) have been isolated and characterized by analytical and spectral methods. The complex [Ru(Hdpa)2(phen)](PF6)2 1 has been structurally characterized and the coordination geometry around Ru(II) in it is described as distorted octahedral. 1H NMR spectral data reveal that 1-5 should have a C2 symmetry lying on the diimine plane due to the rapid flapping of the coordinated Hdpa ligands. The interaction of the complexes with calf thymus (CT) DNA has been explored by using absorption and emission spectral and viscometry and electrochemical techniques and the mode of DNA binding of the complexes has been proposed. The DNA binding affinity of the complexes decreases with decrease in number of planar aromatic rings in the co-ligand supporting the intercalation of the diimine co-ligands in between the DNA base pairs. Circular dichroic spectral studies reveal that the complexes 3-5 exhibit induced circular dichroism upon binding to CT DNA. Interestingly, upon interaction with CT DNA all the complexes show an increase in anodic current in the cyclic voltammograms suggesting that they are involved in electrocatalytic guanine oxidation. Interestingly, of all the complexes, only 5 alters the DNA superhelicity upon binding with supercoiled pBR322 DNA, which is consistent with its higher DNA binding affinity. Further, the cytotoxicities of the complexes against human cervical epidermoid carcinoma cell line (ME180) have been examined. Interestingly, 5 exhibits a cytotoxicity against ME180 higher than other complexes with potency approximately 8 times more than cisplatin for 24 h incubation but 4 times lower than cisplatin for 48 h incubation.     

Preparation of hydrido(vinylidene)ruthenium(II) complexes and a one-pot synthesis of Grubbs-type ruthenium carbenes

Treatment of the hydrido(dihydrogen) compound [RuHCl(H2)(PCy3)2] 1 with alkynes RC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CH (R=H, Ph) afforded the hydrido(vinylidene) complexes [RuHCl(=C=CHR)(PCy3)2] 2, 3 which react with HCl or [HPCy3]Cl to give the corresponding Grubbs-type ruthenium carbenes [RuCl2(=CHCH2R)(PCy3)2] 4, 5. The reaction of 2 (R=H) with DCl, or D2O in the presence of chloride sources, led to the formation of [RuCl2(=CHCH2D)(PCy3)2] 4-d1. Based on these observations, a one-pot synthesis of compounds 4 and 5 was developed using RuCl3.3H2O as the starting material. The hydrido(vinylidene) derivative 2 reacted with CF3CO2H and HCN at low temperatures to yield the carbene complexes [RuCl(X)(=CHCH3)(PCy3)2] 6, 7, of which 7 (X=CN) was characterized crystallographically. Salt metathesis of 2 with CF3CO2K and KI led to the formation of [RuH(X)(=C=CH2)(PCy3)2] 8, 9. The bis(trifluoracetato) and the diiodo compounds [RuX2(=CHCH3)(PCy3)2] 10, 11 as well as the new phosphine P(thp)3 12 (thp=4-tetrahydropyranyl) and the corresponding complex [RuCl2(=CHCH3){P(thp)3}2] 14 were also prepared. The catalytic activity of the ruthenium carbenes 4-7, 10, 11 and 14 in the olefin cross-metathesis of cyclopentene and allyl alcohol was investigated.     

Some mixed-ligand palladium(II) complexes and comparison of their photosensitizing ability with analogous platinum(II) complexes

Three new palladium(II) complexes of formula [Pd(bipy)(XX)] [where bipy is 2,2′-bipyridine and XX are dianions of catechol (CAT), 4-tert-butylcatechol (BCAT) and 3,4-dimercaptotoluene (DMT)] have been prepared and characterized by physical methods. A ligand-ligand charge-transfer band in each complex was observed between 16–21 kK (ε_max = 1500–2200 1 mol^?1 cm^?1) which is negatively solvochromic. These palladium(II) complexes in dimethylformamide photosensitize the formation of singlet oxygen and their ability to photosensitize triplet oxygen (³O₂) to singlet oxygen (¹O₂) are compared with analogous platinum(II) complexes. In addition, 2,2′-bipyridine-platinum(II) complex of 3,4-dimercaptotoluene also undergoes self-sensitized photooxidation.     

Dithiocarboxylate complexes of ruthenium(II) and osmium(II)

The ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(R)(κ(2)-S(2)C·IPr)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+) (R = CH=CHBu(t), CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4, C(C≡CPh)=CHPh) are formed on reaction of IPr·CS(2) with [Ru(R)Cl(CO)(BTD)(PPh(3))(2)] (BTD = 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole) or [Ru(C(C≡CPh)=CHPh)Cl(CO)(PPh(3))(2)] in the presence of ammonium hexafluorophosphate. Similarly, the complexes [Ru(CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4)(κ(2)-S(2)C·ICy)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+) and [Ru(C(C≡CPh)=CHPh)(κ(2)-S(2)C·ICy)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+) are formed in the same manner when ICy·CS(2) is employed. The ligand IMes·CS(2) reacts with [Ru(R)Cl(CO)(BTD)(PPh(3))(2)] to form the compounds [Ru(R)(κ(2)-S(2)C·IMes)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+) (R = CH=CHBu(t), CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4, C(C≡CPh)=CHPh). Two osmium analogues, [Os(CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4)(κ(2)-S(2)C·IMes)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+) and [Os(C(C≡CPh)=CHPh)(κ(2)-S(2)C·IMes)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+) were also prepared. When the more bulky diisopropylphenyl derivative IDip·CS(2) is used, an unusual product, [Ru(κ(2)-SC(H)S(CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4)·IDip)Cl(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+), with a migrated vinyl group, is obtained. Over extended reaction times, [Ru(CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4)Cl(BTD)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)] also reacts with IMes·CS(2) and NH(4)PF(6) to yield the analogous product [Ru{κ(2)-SC(H)S(CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4)·IMes}Cl(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+)via the intermediate [Ru(CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4)(κ(2)-S(2)C·IMes)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+). Structural studies are reported for [Ru(CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4)(κ(2)-S(2)C·IPr)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)]PF(6) and [Ru(C(C≡CPh)=CHPh)(κ(2)-S(2)C·ICy)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)]PF(6).     

A new ruthenium(II) hydride carbonyl complex with pyrimidine ligand

The reaction of [RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₃] with pyrimidine gives [RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂(C₄H₄N₂)]. The compound has been studied by IR, UV-Vis and X-ray crystallography. The molecular orbital diagram of the complex has been calculated with density functional theory (DFT). The spin-allowed singlet-singlet electronic transitions of the complex have been calculated with time-dependent DFT method, and the UV-Vis spectrum of the compound has been discussed on this basis. Emission of the compound was studied.     

Electroluminescence in ruthenium(II) complexes

We have investigated the electrochemical, spectroscopic, and electroluminescent properties of a family of diimine complexes of Ru featuring various aliphatic side chains as well as a more extended pi-conjugated system. The performance of solid-state electroluminescent devices fabricated from these complexes using indium tin oxide (ITO) and gold contacts appears to be dominated by ionic space charge effects. Their electroluminescence efficiency was limited by the photoluminescence efficiency of the Ru films and not by charge injection from the contacts. The incorporation of di-tert-butyl side chains on the dipyridyl ligand was found to be the most beneficial substitution in terms of reducing self-quenching of luminescence.     

Preparation and reactivity of half-sandwich hydrazine complexes of ruthenium and osmium

Hydrazine complexes [MCl(η⁶-p-cymene)(RNHNH₂)L]BPh₄ (1–6) [M = Ru, Os; R = H, Me, Ph; L = P(OEt)₃, PPh(OEt)₂, PPh₂OEt] were prepared by allowing dichloro complexes MCl₂(η⁶-p-cymene)L to react with hydrazines RNHNH₂ in the presence of NaBPh₄. Treatment of ruthenium complexes [RuCl(η⁶-p-cymene)(RNHNH₂)L]BPh₄ with Pb(OAc)₄ led to acetate complex [Ru(κ²–O₂CCH₃)(η⁶-p-cymene)L]BPh₄ (7). Instead, the reaction of osmium derivatives [OsCl(η⁶-p-cymene)(CH₃NHNH₂)L]BPh₄ with Pb(OAc)₄ afforded the methyldiazenido complex [Os(CH₃N₂)(η⁶-p-cymene)L}]BPh₄ (8). Treatment with HCl of this diazenido complex 8 led to the methyldiazene cation [OsCl(CH₃NNH)(η⁶-p-cymene)L}]⁺ (9⁺). The complexes were characterised spectroscopically and by X-ray crystal structure determination of [OsCl(η⁶-p-cymene)(PhNHNH₂){PPh(OEt)₂}]BPh₄ (6b) and [Ru(κ²–O₂CCH₃)(η⁶-p-cymene){PPh(OEt)₂}]BPh₄ (7b).