Synthesis of the pentacarbonyl(chalcocarbonyl)chromium(0) complexes,Cr(CO)5(CX) (X = S,Se)

The arene complexes, (η⁶-C₆H₆)Cr(CO)₂(CX) (X = S, Se), react with excess CO gas under pressure in tetrahydrofuran at about 60° C to produce the Cr(CO)₅(CX) complexes in high yield. The IR and NMR (¹³C and ¹⁷O) spectra of these complexes are in complete accord with the expected C_4v molecular symmetry. Like the analogous W(CO)₅(CS) complex, both compounds react with cyclohexylamine to give Cr(CO)₅(CNC₆H₁₁). However, while W(CO)₅(CS) undergoes stereospecific CO substitution with halide ions (Y^? to form trans-[W(CO)₄(CS)Y]^?, the two chromium chalcocarbonyl complexes apparently undergo both CO and CX substitution to afford mixtures of [Cr(CO)₅Y]^? and trans-[Cr(CO)₄(CX)Y]^?.     

Molybdenum complexes containing substituted cyclopenta[l]phenanthrenyl ligand

The synthesis of new cyclopenta[l]phenanthrenyl complexes [(η⁵-C₁₇H₁₀Me)(η³-C₃H₅)Mo(CO)₂] and [(η⁵-C₁₇H₉(COOMe)N(CH₂)₄)(η³-C₃H₅)Mo(CO)₂] is described. Although these compounds are structural analogues their reactivity is different. Protonation of [(η⁵-C₁₇H₁₀Me)(η³-C₃H₅)Mo(CO)₂] gives a stable ionic compound [(η⁵-C₁₇H₁₀Me)Mo(CO)₂(NCMe)₂][BF₄] while its analogue containing both tertiary amino and carboxylic ester groups [(η⁵-C₁₇H₉(COOMe)N(CH₂)₄)(η³-C₃H₅)Mo(CO)₂] decomposes under the same conditions. [(η⁵-C₁₇H₁₀Me)Mo(CO)₂(NCMe)₂][BF₄] reacts with cyclopentadiene to give a stable η⁴-complex [(η⁴-C₅H₆)(η⁵-C₁₇H₁₀Me)Mo(CO)₂][BF₄] that was successfully oxidized to the Mo(IV) dicationic compound [(η⁵-C₅H₅)(η⁵-C₁₇H₁₀Me)Mo(CO)₂][Br][BF₄].     

Derivative des borols: VI. Dehydrierende komplexierung von borolenen mit carbonylmetallen: (borol)metall-komplexe von mangan,eisen und cobalt

The reaction of 2-borolenes and 3-borolenes C₄H₆BR (R = Ph, Me, C₆H₁₁, OMe) with Mn, Fe, and Co carbonyls leads to dehydrogenating complexation with formation of simple, i.e. C-unsubstituted (η⁵-borole)metal complexes. Thus, Mn₂(CO)₁₀ gives the triple-decked complexes (μ-η⁵-C₄H₄BR)[Mn(CO)₃]₂ (R = Ph, OMe). By irradiation of Fe(CO)₅ the half-sandwich complexes Fe(CO)₃ (η⁵-C₄H₄BR) (R = Ph, Me, C₆H₁₁, OMe) are formed, whereas Co₂(CO)₈ yields the dinuclear complexes (μ-CO)₂[Co(CO)(η⁵-C₄H₄BR)]₂ (Co-Co) (R = Ph, Me). A low-temperature X-ray structure determination of Fe(CO)₃(η⁵-C₄H₄BPh) is described in detail.     

Mehrfachbindungen zwischen hauptgruppenelementen und übergangsmetallen: XXXII. Insertions- und metathesereaktionen von metallorganischen eisen-selen-komplexen

The compound (μ-Se)[η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂]₂ (1) has labile metalselenium bonds and therefore undergoes insertion and metathesis reactions. Thus, reaction with elemental selenium gives the novel FeSeSeFe chain-type complex (μ,η¹:η¹-Se₂)[(η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂]₂ (2). Both compounds 1 and 2 react with the homodinuclear chromium complex [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Cr(CO)₃]₂ with formation of the heterodinuclear derivatives of composition (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂CrFe(CO)₅. (3; single-crystal X-ray structure: d(CrFe) 290.1(1) pm) and (μ-Se₂)[(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂CrFe(CO)₄] (4). The latter compound exhibits a diselenido bridge ligand in η¹:η²-coordination (single-crystal X-ray structure: d(CrSe) 249.5(2) and 255.5(2) pm, d(FeSe) 238.9(2), d(SeSe) 229.7(1) pm) and can also be obtained by treatment of the chromium complex 3 with elemental selenium.     

Novel heterotetrametallic compounds derived from 1-(ferrocenylethynyl)(η6-arene)tricarbonylchromium

The synthesis and characterization of two new heterotetrametallic complexes are described. Reaction of [Cr(CO)₃(η⁶-C₆H₅)CC-{(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)}](1) with Co₂(CO)₈ or Cp₂Mo₂(CO)₄ afford the heterotetrametallic complexes [Cr(CO)₃(η⁶-C₆H₅){Co₂(CO)₆-μ²-η²-CC–}(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)}](2), and [Cr(CO)₃(η⁶-C₆H₅){Mo₂Cp₂(CO)₄-μ²-η²-CC–}(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)](3) in 80% and 41% yield, respectively. All complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C) NMR, and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies for 1 and 3. Structural data reveal that the coordination of dimolybdenum moiety to the alkyne unit influence the orientation of the carbonyl groups coordinated to the chromium as well as the Cp rings bound to the iron metal centre.     

Mixed-metal cluster chemistry. 26 . Proclivity for “all-terminal” or “plane-of-bridging-carbonyls” ligand disposition in tungsten-triiridium clusters

Reaction of WH(CO)₃(η-C₅Me₅) with IrCl(CO)₂(4-H₂NC₆H₄Me) affords WIr₃(μ-CO)₃(CO)₈(η-C₅Me₅) in low yield. A structural study reveals a WIr₂-centred plane of bridging carbonyls, in contrast to the crystal structure of WIr₃(CO)₁₁(η-C₅H₅) (all-terminal carbonyl distribution). DFT calculations reveal an increasing proclivity to adopt an all-terminal CO disposition for clusters MIr₃(CO)₁₁(η-C₅H₅) in the gas phase on proceeding from M=Cr to Mo and then W, consistent with structural studies in the solid state for which the tungsten-containing cluster is the only all-terminal example. Increasing electron donation from the ligands in the tungsten system (either from phosphine substitution or cyclopentadienyl permethylation) suffices to impose a plane of bridging carbonyls in the ground state structure. ¹³C NMR fluxionality studies reveal that CO exchange mechanism(s) for WIr₃(CO)₁₁(η-C₅H₅) and the related tetrahedral cluster W₂Ir₂(CO)₁₀(η-C₅H₅)₂ are very fast and involve all carbonyls on the clusters. DFT calculations on MIr₃(CO)₁₁(η-C₅H₅) (M=Cr, Mo) substantiate a ‘merry-go-round’ mechanism for carbonyl scrambling in these systems, a result which is consistent with the scrambling behaviour seen in the NMR fluxionality studies on the W-containing congener.     

Some reactions of Ni-Mo and Ni-W propargylic cations with nucleophiles

Preliminary reactions of the metal stabilized carbocationic species [(η-C₅H₅)Ni(μ-η²(Ni),η³(Mo)-HC₂CMe₂)Mo(CO)₂(η-C₅H₄Me)]⁺ BF₄⁻ (Ni-Mo) with nucleophiles are reported. The Ni-Mo cationic propargylic complex undergoes nucleophilic attack by sodium methoxide to regenerate the neutral μ-alkyne complex [(η-C₅H₅)Ni{μ-η²,η²-HC₂CMe₂(OMe)}Mo(CO)₂(η-C₅H₄Me)] (Ni-Mo), from which the stabilized carbocation was originally derived by protonation. The new complexes [(η-C₅H₅)Ni{μ-η²,η²-HC₂CMe₂(C₅H₅)}Mo(CO)₂(η-C₅H₄Me)] (Ni-Mo), which exist as an inseparable mixture of 1(c)-1,3- and 2(c)-1,3-cyclopentadienyl isomers, were also obtained. When the Ni-Mo cations were treated with potassium t-butoxide, the alkyne isomers with pendant 1(c)-1,3- and 2(c)-1,3-cyclopentadienyl groups are also formed. The μ-hydroxyalkyne complex [(η-C₅H₅)Ni{μ-η²,η²-HC₂CMe₂(OH)}-Mo(CO)(η-C₅H₄Me)] (Ni-Mo) was also isolated concurrently, and presumably arises from nucleophilic attack of fortuitously present hydroxide ions in the BuO⁻ reagent on the Ni-Mo cation. When NaBH₄ was added to the Ni-Mo propargylic, nucleophilic attack by hydride resulted and the μ-ⁱPrC₂H heterobimetallic complex [(η-C₅H₅)Ni{μ-η²,η²-HC₂Prⁱ}Mo(CO)₂(η-C₅H₄Me)] (Ni-Mo) was recovered in good yield. Small quantities of other side-products were isolated and characterized spectroscopically. Some tantalizing differences in reactivity were observed when the corresponding Ni-W stabilized carbocation was reacted with methoxide ions. When the not fully characterized solid formed by protonating [(η-C₅H₅)Ni(μ-η²,η²-{HC₂CMe₂)(OMe)}W(CO)₂(η-C₅H₄Me)] (Ni-W) was treated with methoxide ions, regioisomers (1(c)-1,3- and 2(c)-1,3-cyclopentadienyl species) of composition [(η-C₅H₅)Ni{μ-η²,η²-HC₂CMe₂(C₅H₅)}W(CO)₂(η-C₅H₄Me)] (Ni-W) were formed. Direct reaction of the pure cation [(η-C₅H₅Niμ-η²,η³-HC₂CMe₂)W(CO)₂(η-C₅H₄Me)]⁺ (Ni-W) with methoxide also generated the same 1(c)-1,3- and 2(c)-1,3-cyclopentadiene-substituted alkyne complexes. Unlike the case with the Ni-Mo complexes, the initial μ-HC₂CMe₂(OMe) species was not regenerated.     

Molybdenum alkyl- and aryl-thiolates

The reaction between [(η⁵-C₅H₅)MoH(CO)₃] and disulphides gives dimeric or trimeric complexes depending upon the conditions. The syntheses of the novel trinuclear molybdenum carbonyl complex [{Mo(η⁵-C₅H₅)(SR)(μ-CO)(CO)}₃] (R = Me), and dinuclear compounds [Mo₂(η⁵-C₅H₅)(μ-SR)₃(CO)₄] (R = Me) and [Mo₂(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂(SR)₂(CO)₂(μ-SR)(μ-Br)] (R = Me or Ph) are reported.     

Mehrfachbindungen zwischen hauptgruppenelementen und übergangsmetallen: IV. Chrom-schwefel- und chrom-selen-bindungen: Knüpfung,umwandlungsreaktionen und alkylidenaddition

New dinuclear chromium—sulfur complexes containing one or two sulfur atoms are formed upon reaction of the ionic complex K[(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Cr(CO)₃] (Me = CH₃; 1) with trithiazyl trichloride at temperatures below ambient. The μ(η¹ :η²)-disulfur complex 2a of composition (η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂Cr₂(CO)₅S₂ undergoes concomitant CO-elimination and desulfurization on heating or in the presence of triphenylphosphine; the CrSCr-complex (η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂Cr₂(CO)₄S (2c) is formed in these cases. When diazomethane is treated with 2a, a novel μ,η²-thio- formaldehyde complex (2d) results, again following CO- and S-extrusion. While the triple-bonded CrSCr-skeleton present in 2c does not allow alkylidene additions, such reactions, which proceed cleanly, are observed with the corresponding μ⁵-seleno derivative (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Cr₂(CO)₄Se (4) synthesized from Na[(η⁵-C₅H₅)Cr(CO)₃] and sodium selenite in the presence of hydrochloric acid.     

Chalcogen–acetylide interaction and unusual reactivity of coordinated acetylide with water: synthesis and characterisation of [(η5-C5R5)Fe3(CO)6(μ3-E)(μ3-ECCH2RI)] (R=H,Me; RI=Ph,Fc; E=S,Se) and [(η5-C5R5)MoFe2(CO)6(μ3-S)(μ-SCCH2Ph)] (R=H,Me)

Photolysis of a benzene solution containing [Fe₃(CO)₉(μ₃-E)₂] (E=S, Se), [(η⁵-C₅R₅)Fe(CO)₂(CCR^I)] (R=H, Me; R^I=Ph, Fc), H₂O and Et₃N results in formation of new metal clusters [(η⁵-C₅R₅)Fe₃(CO)₆(μ₃-E)(μ₃-ECCH₂R^I)] (R=H, R^I=Ph, E=S 1 or Se 2; R=Me, R^I=Ph, E=S 3 or Se 4; R=H, R^I=Fc, E=S 5; R=Me, R^I=Fc, E=S 6 or Se 7). Reaction of [Fe₃(CO)₉(μ₃-S)₂]with [(η⁵-C₅R₅)Mo(CO)₃(CCPh)] (R=H, Me), under same conditions, produces mixed-metal clusters [(η⁵-C₅R₅)MoFe₂(CO)₆(μ₃-S)(μ-SCCH₂Ph)] (R=H 8; R=Me 9). Compounds 1–9 have been characterised by IR and ¹H and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy. Structures of 1, 5 and 9 have been established crystallographically. A common feature in all these products is the formation of new C-chalcogen bond to give rise to a (ECCH₂R^I) ligand.     

The reactions of AgI electrophile with [Fe2(η-C5H5)2(CO)2(L){CN(Me)H}]+ and [Fe2(η-C5H5)2(CO)2{CN(Me)H}2]2+ salts (L = CO or CNMe)

The protonated species [Fe₂(η-C₅H₅)₂(CO)₂(η-CO){μ-CN(Me)H}]X, [Fe₂(η-C₅H₅)₂(CO)(CNMe)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)H}][X], and [Fe₂(η-C₅H₅)₂(CO)₂{η-CN(Me)H}₂][X]₂ react with one equivalent of AgY. The Ag⁺ and one H⁺ act together as a two-electron oxidant. Silver metal is precipitated quantitatively and the substrates cleaved to give mono-nuclear products of the type (a) [Fe(η-C₅H₅)(CO)(L)X] and [Fe(η-C₅H₅(CO)(L)Y] or (b) Fe(η-C₅H₅(CO)(L)(CNMe)][X] (L = CO, CNMe). If X⁻ and Y⁻ are both coordinating anions such as NO₃⁻, I⁻, or Br⁻ or the solvent is MeCN products of type (a) are usually obtained with X = Y = MeCN⁺ if acetonitrile is used as the solvent. However, if either X⁻ or Y⁻ is a non-coordinating anion such as BF₄⁻ or PF₆⁻ and methanol is the solvent, the products are usually those of type (b). When X⁻ = [p-MeC₆H₄SO₃]⁻, both types of products are obtained in significant amounts. If two equivalents of Ph₃P are added to the methanol solution of [Fe₂(η-C₅H₅)₂(CO)₂{-CN(Me)H}₂[BF₆]₂, no reaction takes place until the third equivalent of AgNO₃ has been added. The products have been isolated and characterized by analysis and infrared spectroscopy. The previously unreported [Fe₂(η-C₅H₅)₂(CO)(CNMe)(η-CO){η-CN(Me)H}] X salts are described for X⁻ = BF₄⁻, PF₆⁻, Br⁻ · 2H₂O, I⁻ · H₂O, NO₃⁻ · 0.5H₂O, and p-MeC₆H⁴SO₃⁻.     

Reaction of the heteronuclear cluster RuOs3(μ-H)2(CO)13 with toluene

The heteronuclear cluster RuOs₃(μ-H)₂(CO)₁₃ (4) reacts with refluxing toluene to form the clusters Ru₂Os₃(μ-H)₂(CO)₁₆ (5) RuOs₃(CO)₉(μ-CO)₂(η⁶-C₆H₅Me) (6) and Ru₂Os₃(CO)₁₂(μ-CO)(η⁶-C₆H₅Me) (7). Cluster 5 exists as a mixture of five isomers. The inter-relationship among the clusters has also been investigated.     

Conversion of allene into μ-dimethylcarbene at a diruthenium centre

Treatment of [Ru₂(CO)(μ-CO) {μ-C(O)C₂Ph₂} (η-C ₅H₅)₂] with allene in toluene at 100°C displaces diphenylacetylene and produces [Ru(CO)(η-C₅H₅)-{η³-C₃H₄Ru(CO)₂(η-C₅H₅)}]; upon protonation a 1-methylvinyl cation [Ru₂(CO)₂(μ-CO){μ-C(Me)CH₂}(η-C₅H₅)₂]⁺ is formed which undergoes nucleophillic attack by hydride to yield the μ-dimethylcarbene complex [Ru₂(CO)₂-(μ-CO)(μ-CMe₂)(η-C₅H₅)₂].     

Thermochemistry of bis-arene- and arenetricarbonyl-chromium compounds containing hexamethylbenzene, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene and naphthalene.

Microcalorimetric measurements at elevated temperatures of the heats of thermal decomposition and iodination have led to values of the standard enthalpies of formation of the following crystalline compounds (values given in kJ mol^?1) at 298K: [Cr(η⁶-1,3,5-C₆H₃(CH₃)₃)₂] = (63±12); [Cr(η⁶-C₆(CH₃)₆)₂] : -(88±12); [Cr(1,2,3,4,4a,8a-η-C₁₀H₈)₂] = (407±11); [Cr(CO)₃(1,2,3,4,4a,8a-η-C₁₀H₈)] = -(258±8). Separate measurements by the vacuum sublimation microcalorimetric technique gave the following values for the enthalpy of sublimation at 298K (kJ mol^?1) : [Cr(η⁶-1,3,5-C₆H₃(CH₃)₃)₂] = (104±1); [Cr(η⁶-C₆(CH₃)₆)₂] = (119±4); [Cr(CO)₃(1,2,3,4,4a,8a-η-C₁₀H₈)] = (107±3). From these and other data, the bond enthalpy contributions of the metal-ligand bonds in the gaseous metal complexes were evaluated as follows: [(η₆-C₆(CH₃)₆)-Cr] (155±7); [(η⁶-C₆H₃(CH₃)₃)-Cr] (151±6); [(1,2,3,4,4a, 8a-η-C₁₀H₈)-Cr](145±6) kJ mol^?1]The question of the transferability of the enthalpy contributions of chromium—ligand bonds between organochronium complexes is discussed with aid of information from structural and spectroscopic investigation. The limitations of the procedure are defined.The thermodynamic data are used to discuss various substitution, redistribution and exchange reaction of Cr(η-arene)₂ and [Cr(CO)₃(η-arene)] compounds.     

Novel complexes of manganese with phenylvinylidene as a ligand

Three novel stable complexes of manganese were prepared by interaction of [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Mn(CO)₂ (THF)] with phenylacetylene. X-ray structure analysis of two of the complexes established the presence of a phenylvinylidene ligand. In [(η⁵-C₅H₅Mn(CO)₂(CCHPh)] this ligand forms an unusual double MnC bond and in [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Mn₂(CO)₄(CCHPh)] it acts as a bridge strengthening the MnMn bond.     

Derivate des borols: IX. (η5-borol)metall-komplexe von ruthenium,osmium und rhodium

Dehydrogenating complexation of borolenes with carbonyls (Ru₃(CO)₁₂, Os₃(CO)₁₂), Wilkinson's catalyst (RhCl(PPh₃)₃) and related compounds (RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃, RuHCl(PPh₃)₃, OSCl₂(PPh₃)₃), and (η⁶-arene)ruthenium complexes (Ru(η-C₆H₆)(η⁴-C₆H₈), [Ru(η-C₆H₆)Cl₂]₂, [Ru(η-C₆-Me₆)Cl₂]₂) leads to the (η⁵-borole)metal complexes of Ru, Os, and Rh. Inter alia, the preparation of the complexes Ru(CO)₃(η⁵-C₄H₄BF) (R = Ph, OMe, Me), Os(CO)₃L (L = η⁵-C₄H₄BPh), MHClL(PPh₃)₂ (M = Ru, Os), RhClL(PPh₃)₂, and RuL(η-C₆R₆) (R = H, Me) is described. The structures of RuHClL(PPh₃)₂ and RhClL(PPh₃)₂ have been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Stereo- and regio-specific CC bond formation via the coupling of electrophilic and nucleophilic organotransition-metal complexes: The x-ray crystal structure of [Ru(CO)2(PPh3)(η2,η3-C8H8R)][PF6]·0.5CH2Cl2 (R = CH2C(Me)CH2)

The coupling of [Ru(CO)₂L(η⁴-cot)] (L = CO or PPh₃, cot = cyclooctatetraene) with [Fe(CO)₃(η⁵-cyclohexadienyl)]⁺ or [Fe{P(OMe)₃}(NO)₂(η³-allyl)]⁺ yields respectively the dimetallic species [Ru(CO)₂L(η²,η³-C₈H₈{Fe(CO)₃(η⁴-C₆H₇)}] (3) and the allyl-substituted derivative [Ru(CO)₂L(η⁵-C₈H₈CH₂C(Me)CH₂)][PF₆] (5) whose X-ray structure is reported; paramagnetic [Co(η-C₅H₅)₂] and [Ru(CO)₃(η⁵-cyclohexadienyl)]⁺ give diamagnetic [Ru(CO)₃(η⁴-C₆H₇C₅H₆(o-C₅H₅)] (8) via CC bond formation and one-electron reduction.     

Übergangsmetall-substituierte Acylphosphane und Phosphaalkene. 17 [1] Synthese und Struktur der μ-Isophosphaalkin-Komplexe [(η5-C5H5)2(CO)2Fe2(μ-CO)(μ-CPC6H2R3-2,4,6)] (R = Me,iPr, tBu)

Transition Metal Substituted Acylphosphanes and Phosphaalkenes. 17. Synthesis and Structure of the μ-Isophosphaalkyne Complexes [(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂(CO)₂Fe₂(μ-CO)(μ-C?PC₆H₂R₃)] (R = Me, iPr, tBu) . Condensation of (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂(CO)₂Fe₂(μ-CO)(μ-CSMe)}⁺SO₃CF₃^? ( 6 ) with 2,4,6-R₃C₆H₂PH(SiMe₃) ( 7 ) ( a : R = Me, b : R = iPr, c : R = tBu) affords the complexes (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂(CO)₂Fe₂(μ-CO)(η-C?PC₆H₂R₃-2,4,6) ( 9 a–c ) with edge-bridging isophosphaalkyne ligands as confirmed by the x-ray structure analysis of 9 a .     

The reaction of [Fe2(η-C5H5)2(CO)2(CNMe){CN(Me)H}]+ with AgI salts. Anion control of the reaction products

The reactions of equimolar amounts of [Fe₂(η-C₅H₅)₂(CO)₂(CNMe){CN(Me)H}]X and AgY in methanol results in a two-electron oxidation of [Fe₂(η-C₅H₅)₂(CO)₂(CNMe)₂] to give [Fe(η-C₅H₅)(CO)(CNMe)₂]BF₄ when either X⁻ or Y⁻ are the non-coordinating anion BF⁻₄, but [Fe(η-C₅H₅(CO)(CNMe)X] and [Fe(η-C₅H₅(CO)(CNMe)Y] when both X⁻ and Y⁻ are potentially coordinating anions such as NO₃⁻, Br⁻ or I⁻.     

Transformation of C2 units on a bimetallic tetranuclear cluster.: Reactivity of [Ru3Mo(μ3-η-CC)(μ-CO)3(CO)2(η-C5H4R)3(η-C5H5)] (R = H, Me)

The reactivity of [Ru₃Mo(μ₄-η²-CC)(μ-CO)₃(CO)₂(η-C₅H₄R)₃(η-C₅H₅)] (R = H; Me) have been investigated, initially to elucidate the nature of the starting material, and, latterly, to define the reactivity of an interesting ethane-1,2-bis(ylidyne) species. While the mixed RuMo clusters were unreactive towards simple electrophiles and carbonyl substitution by phosphine ligands they did react with atmospheric oxygen or carbon monoxide to give substantially different products. In all instances oxygen was incorporated either at the metal centre or at the C₂ fragment. High-pressure carbonylations yielded [Ru₃(μ-CO)₃(η-C₅H₅)₃(μ₃-C-C(O)O{Ru(CO)₂(η-C₅H₅)})] and [{Ru₂(μ-CO)(CO)₂(η-C₅H₄Me)₂}(μ₄-η²-CC){Ru(CO)(η-C₅H₄Me)Mo(η-C₅H₅)(=O)(μ-O)}], an ethane-1,2-bis(ylidene) complex, this exemplifying a relatively rare raft geometry which further reacted with Cl₂CCCl₂ to give [Mo₃(μ₄-C₂(Ru(CO)₂(η-C₅H₄Me))(CO)(μ-CO)(η-C₅H₅)₃(Cl)₂] having a similar geometry and undergone halogenation. In order to extend the extant examples of these raft clusters we explored the reaction of [{Ru(CO)₂(η-C₅H₄R)₂}₂(μ-C₂)] with [{Ru(CO)₂(η-C₅H₅)₂}₂] to provide a rational synthetic pathway leading to very reactive [Ru(μ₄-η²-CC)(μ₂-CO)₂(CO)₄(η-C₅H₄Me)₂(η-C₅H₄R)₂] rafts.