Ru(III) complexes containing 3,5-pyrazole dicarboxylic acid and triphenylphosphine/triphenylarsine: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity

New hexa-coordinated Ru(III) complexes of the type [Ru(H₂Pzdc)(EPh₃)₃X₂] have been synthesized by reacting 3,5-pyrazole dicarboxylic acid (H₃Pzdc) with the appropriate starting complexes [RuX₃(EPh₃)₃] (where X = Cl or Br; E = P or As). The ligand behaves as a bidentate monobasic chelate. All the complexes have been characterized by analytical and spectroscopic (IR, electronic and EPR) data. Single-crystal X-ray analysis of the complex [Ru(H₂Pzdc)(PPh₃)₂Cl₂]·C₆H₆·C₂H₅OH revealed that the coordination environment around the ruthenium center consists of an NOP₂Cl₂ octahedron. The planar ligand occupies the equatorial position along with two chlorine atoms, while the triphenylphosphine groups occupy the axial positions. The electrochemical behavior of the new complexes was studied using cyclic voltammetry. The new mononuclear ruthenium complexes are capable of acting as catalysts for the oxidation of alcohols.