Solvent mediated complete trans-to-cis isomerization of [Ru(polypyridine)(CO)2Cl2] complexes

Publication date: Available online 31 July 2019Source: Journal of Organometallic ChemistryAuthor(s): Dai Oyama, Shuya Kainuma, Komi Akatsuka, Ryosuke Abe, Tsugiko TakaseAbstractTrans(Cl)-[Ru(polypyridine)(CO)2Cl2] complexes were completely isomerized to the corresponding cis(Cl)-isomers in the absence of a superacid or a reducing agent. X-ray crystallography was used to determine the molecular structures of the prepared cis-isomers. Spectroscopic, structural, and computational studies indicated that the isomerization occurs via an ethoxycarbonyl intermediate ({Ru–C(O)OC2H5}+), which is formed by the reaction of the solvent ethanol with a terminal carbonyl ligand. The electronic effects of the bidentate ligand in the complex were found to exert significant influence on isomerization. The mechanistic studies and the isomerization results will enable efficient syntheses of novel ruthenium complexes.Graphical abstract

Source: Journal of Organometallic Chemistry - August 1, 2019 Category: Chemistry Source Type: research