Synthesis,characterization and biocidal studies of ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes containing tetradentate Schiff bases

Stable ruthenium(II) complexes of Schiff bases have been prepared by reacting [RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂(B)] (B = PPh₃, pyridine or piperidine) with bis(o-vanillin)ethylenediimine (valen), bis(o-vanillin)propylene-diimine (valpn), bis(o-vanillin)tetramethylenediimine (valtn), bis(o-vanillin)o-phenylenediimine (valphn), bis(salicylaldehyde)tetramethylenediimine (saltn) and bis(salicylaldehyde)o-phenylenediimine (salphn). These complexes have been characterised by elemental analyses, i.r., electronic, ¹H- and ³¹P{¹H}-n.m.r. spectral studies. In all the above reactions, the Schiff bases replace two molecules of Ph₃P, a hydride and a halide ion from the starting complexes, indicating that the Ru–N bonds present in the complexes containing heterocyclic nitrogen bases are stronger than the Ru–P bond to Ph₃P. The new complexes of the general formula [Ru(CO)(B)(L)] (B = PPh₃, py or pip; L = tetradentate Schiff bases) have been assigned an octahedral structure. Some of the Schiff bases and the new complexes have been tested against the pathogenic fungus Fusarium sp.     

Luminescent property and catalytic activity of Ru(II) carbonyl complexes containing N, O donor of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthylideneimines

The reaction of the chelating ligands (obtained by the condensation of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with various primary amines) with [RuHCl(CO)(EPh3)2(B)] (where E=P; B=PPh3, py or pip: E=As; B=AsPh3) in benzene afforded new stable ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes of the general formula [Ru(Cl)(CO)(EPh3)(B)(L)] (L=anion of bidentate Schiff bases). The structure of the new complexes was investigated using elemental analyses, spectral (FT-IR, UV-vis and 1H NMR) and electrochemical studies and is found to be octahedral. All the metal complexes exhibit characteristic MLCT absorption and luminescence bands in the visible region. The luminescence efficiency of the ruthenium(II) complexes was explained based on the ligand environment around the metal ion. These complexes catalyze oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols into their corresponding carbonyl compounds in the presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMO) as the source of oxygen. The formation of high valent Ru(IV)=O species as a catalytic intermediate is proposed for the catalytic process.     

Luminescent property and catalytic activity of Ru(II) carbonyl complexes containing N, O donor of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthylideneimines

The reaction of the chelating ligands (obtained by the condensation of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with various primary amines) with [RuHCl(CO)(EPh(3))(2)(B)] (where E=P; B=PPh(3), py or pip: E=As; B=AsPh(3)) in benzene afforded new stable ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes of the general formula [Ru(Cl)(CO)(EPh(3))(B)(L)] (L=anion of bidentate Schiff bases). The structure of the new complexes was investigated using elemental analyses, spectral (FT-IR, UV-vis and (1)H NMR) and electrochemical studies and is found to be octahedral. All the metal complexes exhibit characteristic MLCT absorption and luminescence bands in the visible region. The luminescence efficiency of the ruthenium(II) complexes was explained based on the ligand environment around the metal ion. These complexes catalyze oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols into their corresponding carbonyl compounds in the presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMO) as the source of oxygen. The formation of high valent Ru(IV)=O species as a catalytic intermediate is proposed for the catalytic process.     

Preparation, spectroscopy, EXAFS, electrochemistry and pharmacology of new ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes containing ferrocenylthiosemicarbazone and triphenylphosphine/arsine

A new series of new hetero-bimetallic complexes containing iron and ruthenium of the general formula [RuCl(CO)(B)(EPh3)(L)] (where E=P or As; B=PPh3, AsPh3, py or pip; L=ferrocene derived monobasic bidentate thiosemicarbazone ligand) have been synthesized by the reaction between ferrocene-derived thiosemicarbazones and ruthenium(II) complexes of the type [RuHCl(CO)(B)(EPh3)2] (where E=P or As; B=PPh3, AsPh3, py or pip). The new complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, electronic, NMR (1H, 13C and 31P), EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy) and cyclic voltammetric techniques. Antibacterial activity of the new complexes has been screened against Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa species.     

Synthesis, spectral, catalytic and antimicrobial studies of PPh3/AsPh3 complexes of Ru(II) with dibasic tridentate O, N, S donor ligands

Complexes of the type [Ru(CO)(EPh(3))(B)(L)] (E = P or As; B = PPh(3), AsPh(3), py or pip; L=dianion of the Schiff bases derived from thiosemicarbazone with acetoacetanilide, acetoacet-o-toluidide and o-chloro acetoacetanilide) have been synthesized from the reactions of equimolar amounts of [RuHCl(CO)(EPh(3))(2)(B)] and Schiff bases in benzene. The new complexes have been characterized by analytical and spectral (IR, electronic, NMR) data. The arrangement of PPh(3) groups around ruthenium metal was determined from (31)P NMR spectra. An octahedral structure has been assigned for all the new complexes. All the complexes exhibited catalytic activity for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol and cyclohexanol in presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide as co-oxidant. The complexes also exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli, Aeromonas hydrophilla and Salmonella typhi. The activity was compared with standard streptomycin.     

Synthesis, characterization, electro chemistry, catalytic and biological activities of ruthenium(III) complexes with bidentate N, O/S donor ligands

New hexa-coordinated ruthenium(III) complexes of the type [RuX(2)(EPh(3))(2)(L)] (E=P or As; X=Cl or Br; L=monobasic bidentate Schiff base derived from the condensation of benzhydrazide with furfuraldehyde, 2-acetylfuran and 2-acetylthiophene) have been synthesized from the equimolar amounts of [RuX(3)(EPh(3))(3)] or [RuBr(3)(PPh(3))(2)(MeOH)] and Schiff bases in benzene. The new complexes have been characterized by analytical, spectral (IR, electronic and EPR), magnetic moment, and cyclic voltammetry. An octahedral structure has been tentatively proposed. All the complexes have exhibited catalytic activity for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol, cyclohexanol and cinnamylalcohol in the presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide as co-oxidant. All the new complexes were found to be active against the bacteria such as E. coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. The activity was compared with standard Streptomycin.     

Spectroscopic characterization and electrochemical studies of ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes containing bidentate Schiff bases and triphenylphosphine or a nitrogen heterocycle

Reactions of ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes of the type [RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂(B)] [B?=?PPh₃, pyridine (py), piperidine (pip) or morpholine (mor)] with bidentate Schiff base ligands derived from the condensation of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with aniline, o-, m- or p-toluidine in a 1?:?1 mol ratio in benzene resulted in the formation of complexes formulated as [RuCl(CO)(L)(PPh₃)(B)] [L?=?bidentate Schiff base anion, B?=?PPh₃, py, pip, mor]. The complexes were characterized by analyses, IR, electronic and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetric studies. In all cases, the Schiff bases replace one molecule of phosphine and a hydride ion from the starting complexes, indicating that Ru–N bonds in the complexes containing heterocyclic nitrogenous bases are stronger than the Ru–P bond to PPh₃. Octahedral geometry is proposed for the complexes.     

含NS和NNSS供电子原子的钌(Ⅱ)羰基配合物

通过[RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂(B)] (B=PPh₃, 吡啶 (py), 哌啶 (pip), 吗啉 (morph))与适当的席夫碱按1∶1的物质的量的比反应，合成了二齿和四齿席夫碱钌(Ⅱ)配合物。所用席夫碱配体通过S-苄基二硫代肼基甲酸酯与2,3-丁二酮(物质的量的比分别为1∶1和1∶2)的缩合反应制得。通过元素分析和多种物理化学方法对钌(Ⅱ)配合物和其席夫碱配体进行了表征。钌(Ⅱ)配合物为六配位的反磁性物质。用三种细菌对席夫碱配体及其钌(Ⅱ)配合物的抗微生物活性进行了筛选试验。     

Ruthenium(II) hydrazone Schiff base complexes: synthesis, spectral study and catalytic applications

Ruthenium(II) hydrazone Schiff base complexes of the type [RuCl(CO)(B)(L)] (were B=PPh(3), AsPh(3) or Py; L=hydrazone Schiff base ligands) were synthesized from the reactions of hydrazone Schiff base ligand (obtained from isonicotinoylhydrazide and different hydroxy aldehydes) with [RuHCl(CO)(EPh(3))(2)(B)] (where E=P or As; B=PPh(3), AsPh(3) or Py) in 1:1 molar ratio. All the new complexes have been characterized by analytical and spectral (FT-IR, electronic, (1)H, (13)C and (31)P NMR) data. They have been tentatively assigned an octahedral structure. The synthesized complexes have exhibited catalytic activity for oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone in the presence of N-methyl morpholine N-oxide (NMO) as co-oxidant. They were also found to catalyze the transfer hydrogenation of aliphatic and aromatic ketones to alcohols in KOH/Isopropanol.     

Ruthenium(II) complexes containing bidentate Schiff bases and their antifungal activity

The reactions of ruthenium(II) complexes, [RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂(B)] [B = PPh₃, pyridine (py) or piperidine (pip)], with bidentate Schiff base ligands derived by condensing salicylaldehyde with aniline, o-, m- or p-toluidine have been carried out. The products were characterised by analytical, i.r., electronic, ¹H-n.m.r. and ³¹P-n.m.r. spectral studies and are formulated as [RuCl(CO)(L)(PPh₃)(B)] (L = Schiff base anion; B = PPh₃, py or pip). An octahedral structure has been tentatively proposed for the new complexes. The Schiff bases and the new complexes were tested in vitro to evaluate their activity against the fungus Aspergillus flavus.     

Ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes containing tetradentate Schiffbases

Ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes of general formula [Ru(CO)(B)(L)] [where B = PPh3, pyridine (py), piperidine (pip); L = the dianionic tetradentate Schiff bases derived from the condensation of acetylacetone or benzoylacetone with ethylenediamine, propylenediamine or trimethylenediamine] have been synthesised by reacting [RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)2(B)] (B = PPh3, py or pip) with bis(acetylacetone)ethylenediimine, bis(acetylacetone)propylenediimine, bis(acetylacetone)trimethylenedi- imine, bis(benzoylacetone)ethylenediimine, bis(benzoylacetone)propylenediimine or bis(benzoylacetone)trimethylenediimine. The complexes were characterised onthe basis of elemental analyses, i.r., electronic and 1H- and 31P{1H}-n.m.r. spectral studies. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of ruthenium carboxylato and 2-oxocarboxylato complexes bearing the bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetato ligand

A series of ruthenium(II) acetonitrile, pyridine (py), carbonyl, SO2, and nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(L)(PPh3)] (L = NCMe, py, CO, SO2) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(L)(PPh3)]BF4 (L = NO) containing the bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetato (bdmpza) ligand, a N,N,O heteroscorpionate ligand, have been prepared. Starting from ruthenium chlorido, carboxylato, or 2-oxocarboxylato complexes, a variety of acetonitrile complexes [Ru(bdmpza)Cl(NCMe)(PPh3)] (4) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(NCMe)(PPh3)] (R = Me (5a), R = Ph (5b)), as well as the pyridine complexes [Ru(bdmpza)Cl(PPh3)(py)] (6) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(PPh3)(py)] (R = Me (7a), R = Ph (7b), R = (CO)Me (8a), R = (CO)Et (8b), R = (CO)Ph) (8c)), have been synthesized. Treatment of various carboxylato complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(PPh3)2] (R = Me (2a), Ph (2b)) with CO afforded carbonyl complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(CO)(PPh3)] (9a, 9b). In the same way, the corresponding sulfur dioxide complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CMe)(PPh3)(SO2)] (10a) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CPh)(PPh3)(SO2)] (10b) were formed in a reaction of the carboxylato complexes with gaseous SO2. None of the 2-oxocarboxylato complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2C(CO)R)(PPh3)2] (R = Me (3a), Et (3b), Ph (3c)) showed any reactivity toward CO or SO2, whereas the nitrosyl complex cations [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CMe)(NO)(PPh3)](+) (11) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2C(CO)Ph)(NO)(PPh3)](+) (12) were formed in a reaction of the acetato 2a or the benzoylformato complex 3c with an excess of nitric oxide. Similar cationic carboxylato nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(NO)(PPh3)]BF4 (R = Me (13a), R = Ph (13b)) and 2-oxocarboxylato nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2C(CO)R)(NO)(PPh3)]BF4 (R = Me (14a), R = Et (14b), R = Ph (14c)) are also accessible via a reaction with NO[BF4]. X-ray crystal structures of the chlorido acetonitrile complex [Ru(bdmpza)Cl(NCMe)(PPh3)] (4), the pyridine complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CMe)(PPh3)(py)] (7a) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CC(O)Et)(PPh3)(py)] (8b), the carbonyl complex [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CPh)(CO)(PPh3)] (9b), the sulfur dioxide complex [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CPh)(PPh3)(SO2)] (10b), as well as the nitrosyl complex [Ru(bdmpza)(O2C(CO)Me)(NO)(PPh3)]BF4 (14a), are reported. The molecular structure of the sulfur dioxide complex [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CPh)(PPh3)(SO2)] (10b) revealed a rather unusual intramolecular SO2-O2CPh Lewis acid-base adduct.     

Ruthenium mediated C-H activation of 2-(arylazo)phenols: characterization of an intermediate and the final organoruthenium complex

Reaction of 2-(arylazo)phenols with [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(2)Cl(2)] affords a family of organometallic complexes of ruthenium(II) of type [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(CNO-R)], where the 2-(arylazo)phenolate ligand (CNO-R; R = OCH(3), CH(3), H, Cl, and NO(2)) is coordinated to the metal center as tridentate C,N,O-donor. Another group of intermediate complexes of type [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(NO-R)(H)] has also been isolated, where the 2-(arylazo)phenolate ligand (NO-R) is coordinated to the metal center as bidentate N,O-donor. Structures of the [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(NO-OCH(3))(H)] and [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(CNO-OCH(3))] complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. All the complexes are diamagnetic and show characteristic (1)H NMR signals and intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. Both the [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(NO-R)(H)] and [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(CNO-R)] complexes show two oxidative responses on the positive side of SCE.     

Ruthenium(II) complexes containing bidentate Schiff bases and triphenylphosphine or triphenylarsine

Reactions of ruthenium(II) complexes [RuHX(CO)(EPh₃)₂(B)] (X = H or Cl; B = EPh₃, pyridine (py) or piperidine (pip); E = P or As) with bidentate Schiff base ligands derived by condensingo- hydroxyacetophenone with aniline,o- orp-methylaniline have been carried out. The products were characterized by analytical, IR, electronic and¹H-NMR spectral studies and are formulated as [Ru(X)(CO) (L)(EPh₃)(B)] (L = Schiff base anion; X = H or Cl; B = EPh₃, py or pip; E = P or As). An octahedral structure has been tentatively proposed for the new complexes. The new complexes were tested for their catalytic activities in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde.     

Catalytic and antimicrobial activities of new ruthenium(II) unsymmetrical Schiff base complexes

Hexa-coordinated ruthenium(II) complexes of the type [Ru(CO)(PPh₃)(Z)(L)] [Z = PPh₃, pyridine (py) or piperidine (pip); L = anion of the Schiff base] have been prepared by reacting [RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂(Z)] with tridentate Schiff bases derived by condensing anthranilic acid with acetylacetone, salicylaldehyde, o-vanillin and o-hydroxyacetophenone. The complexes were characterised by analytical and spectral (i.r., electronic, ¹H- and ³¹P-n.m.r.) data, and were found to be effective catalysts for oxidising primary alcohols to aldehydes in the presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMO) as co-oxidant. The Schiff bases and their ruthenium(II) complexes show growth inhibitory activity against pathogenic fungi Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporium and Rhizoctonia solani.     

Synthesis, characterization, and DNA binding of new water-soluble cyclopentadienyl ruthenium(II) complexes incorporating phosphines

The new water-soluble ruthenium(II) chiral complexes [RuCpX(L)(L')](n+) (X = Cl, I. L = PPh3; L' = PTA, mPTA; L = L' = PTA, mPTA) (PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane; mPTA = N-methyl-1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) have been synthesized and characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The salt mPTA(OSO2CF3) was also prepared and fully characterized by spectroscopic techniques. X-ray crystal structures of [RuClCp(PPh3)(PTA)] (2), [RuCpI(PPh3)(PTA)] (3), and [RuCpI(mPTA)(PPh3)](OSO2CF3) (9) have been determined. The binding properties toward DNA of the new hydrosoluble complexes have been studied using the mobility shift assay. The ruthenium chloride complexes interact with DNA depending on the hydrosoluble phosphine bonded to the metal, while the corresponding compounds with iodide, [RuCpI(PTA)2] (1), [RuCpI(PPh3)(PTA)] (3), [RuCpI(mPTA)2](OSO2CF3)2 (6), and [RuCpI(mPTA)(PPh3)](OSO2CF3) (9), do not bind to DNA.     

Chemical control on the coordination mode of benzaldehyde semicarbazone ligands. synthesis, structure, and redox properties of ruthenium complexes

Reaction of benzaldehyde semicarbazone (HL-R, where H is a dissociable proton and R is a substituent (R = OMe, Me, H, Cl, NO(2)) at the para position of the phenyl ring) with [Ru(PPh(3))(3)Cl(2)] and [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO2)Cl2] has afforded complexes of different types. When HL-NO(2) and [Ru(PPh(3))(3)Cl2] react in solution at ambient temperature, trans-[Ru(PPh(3))(2)(L-NO2Cl] is obtained. Its structure determination by X-ray crystallography shows that L-NO2 is coordinated as a tridentate C,N,O-donor ligand. When reaction between HL-NO2 and [Ru(PPh(3))(3)Cl2] is carried out in refluxing ethanol, a more stable cis isomer of [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(L-NO2)Cl] is obtained. The trans isomer can be converted to the cis isomer simply by providing appropriate thermal energy. Slow reaction of HL-R with [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO2)Cl2] in solution at ambient temperature yields 5-[Ru(PPh(3))(2)(L-R)(CO)Cl] complexes. A structure determination of 5-[Ru(PPh(3))(2)(L-NO2)(CO)Cl] shows that the semicarbazone ligand is coordinated as a bidentate N,O-donor, forming a five-membered chelate ring. When reaction between HL-R and [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO2Cl2] is carried out in refluxing ethanol, the 4-[Ru(PPh(3))(2)(L-R)(CO)Cl] complexes are obtained. A structure determination of 4-[Ru(PPh(3))(2)(L-NO2)(CO)Cl] shows that a semicarbazone ligand is bound to ruthenium as a bidentate N,O-donor, forming a four-membered chelate ring. All the complexes are diamagnetic (low-spin d(6), S = 0). The trans- and cis-[Ru(PPh(3))(2)(L-NO2)Cl] complexes undergo chemical transformation in solution. The 5- and 4-[Ru(PPh(3))(2)(L-R)(CO)Cl] complexes show sharp NMR signals and intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. Cyclic voltammetry of the 5-[Ru(PPh(3))(2)(L-R)(CO)Cl] and 4-[Ru(PPh(3))(2)(L-R)(CO)Cl] complexes show the Ru(II)-Ru(III) oxidation to be within 0.66-1.07 V. This oxidation potential is found to linearly correlate with the Hammett constant of the substituent R.     

Variable coordination mode of chloranilic acid. Synthesis, structure, and electrochemical properties of some osmium complexes

Reaction of chloranilic acid (H2ca) with [Os(bpy)2 Br2] (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) affords a dinuclear complex of type [{Os(bpy)2}2 (ca)]2+, isolated as the perchlorate salt. A similar reaction of H2ca with [Os(PPh3)2 (pap)Br2] (pap = 2-(phenylazo)pyridine) affords a dinuclear complex of type [{Os(PPh3)2 (pap)}2 (ca)]2+ (isolated as the perchlorate salt) and a mononuclear complex of type [Os(PPh3)2 (pap)(ca)]. Reaction of H2ca with [Os(PPh3)2(CO)2(HCOO)2] gives a dinuclear complex of type [{Os(PPh3)2(CO)2}2 (r-ca)], where r-ca is the two electron reduced form of the chloranilate ligand. The structures of the [{Os(PPh3)2 (pap)}2 (ca)](ClO4)2, [Os(PPh3)2 (pap)(ca)], and [{Os(PPh3)2(CO)2}2 (r-ca)] complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. In the [{Os(bpy)2}2 (ca)]2+ and [{Os(PPh3)2 (pap)}2 (ca)]2+ complexes, the chloranilate dianion is serving as a tetradentate bridging ligand. In the [Os(PPh3)2 (pap)(ca)] complex, the chloranilate dianion is serving as a bidentate chelating ligand. In the [{Os(PPh3)2(CO)2}2 (r-ca)] complex, the reduced form of the chloranilate ligand (r-ca(4-)) is serving as a tetradentate bridging ligand. All the four complexes are diamagnetic and show intense metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transitions in the visible region. The [Os(PPh3)2 (pap)(ca)] complex shows an Os(II)-Os(III) oxidation, followed by an Os(III)-Os(IV) oxidation on the positive side of a standard calomel electrode. The three dinuclear complexes show two successive oxidations on the positive side of SCE. The mixed-valent Os(II)-Os(III) species have been generated in the case of the two chloranilate-bridged complexes by coulometric oxidation of the homovalent Os(II)-Os(II) species. The mixed-valent Os(II)-Os(III) species show intense intervalence charge-transfer transitions in the near-IR region.     

Ruthenium(III) complexes with tetradentate Schiff bases containing triphenylphosphine or triphenylarsine

Ruthenium(III) complexes of Schiff bases derived from the condensation of salicylaldehyde or o-vanillin with diamines have been prepared and characterised. The complexes are of the type [RuX(EPh₃)(L)] [X=Cl or Br; E=P or As; L=bis(salicylaldehyde)tetramethylenediimine, bis(salicylaldehyde)o-phenylenediimine, bis(o-vanillin)ethylenediimine, bis(o-vanillin)propylenediimine, bis(o-vanillin)tetramethylenediimine or bis(o-vanillin)o-phenylenediimine]. The Schiff bases behave as dibasic tetradentate ligands.     

Stoichiometric and catalytic reactivity of the N-heterocyclic carbene ruthenium hydride complexes [Ru(NHC)(L)(CO)HCl] and [Ru(NHC)(L)(CO)H(eta2-BH4)] (L=NHC, PPh3)

Thermolysis of [Ru(AsPh3)3(CO)H2] with the N-aryl heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) IMes (1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene), IPr (1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) or the adduct SIPr.(C6F5)H (SIPr=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene), followed by addition of CH2Cl2, affords the coordinatively unsaturated ruthenium hydride chloride complexes [Ru(NHC)2(CO)HCl] (NHC=IMes , IPr , SIPr ). These react with CO at room temperature to yield the corresponding 18-electron dicarbonyl complexes . Reduction of and [Ru(IMes)(PPh3)(CO)HCl] () with NaBH4 yields the isolable borohydride complexes [Ru(NHC)(L)(CO)H(eta2-BH4)] (, L=NHC, PPh3). Both the bis-IMes complex and the IMes-PPh3 species react with CO at low temperature to give the eta1-borohydride species [Ru(IMes)(L)(CO)2H(eta1-BH4)] (L=IMes , PPh3), which can be spectroscopically characterised. Upon warming to room temperature, further reaction with CO takes place to afford initially [Ru(IMes)(L)(CO)2H2] (L=IMes, L=PPh3) and, ultimately, [Ru(IMes)(L)(CO)3] (L=IMes , L=PPh3). Both and lose BH3 on addition of PMe2Ph to give [Ru(IMes)(L)(L')(CO)H2](L=L'=PMe2Ph; L=PPh3, L'=PMe2Ph). Compounds and have been tested as catalysts for the hydrogenation of aromatic ketones in the presence of (i)PrOH and H2. For the reduction of acetophenone, catalytic activity varies with the NHC present, decreasing in the order IPr>IMes>SIMes.