Abstract

The synthesis, characterization and reactivity of bipyridyl ruthenium carbonyl complexes of the type Ru(NN)(CO) 2Cl 2 [where NN = 4,4?- tBu 2-2,2?-bpy (bpy*, a); 6,6?-Me 2-4,4?- tBu 2-2,2?-bpy (dmbpy*, b); 6,6?-Ph 2-4,4?- tBu 2-2,2?-bpy (dpbpy*, c)] is reported together with the synthesis and characterization of Ru(dpphen)(CO) 2Cl 2 [where dpphen = 2,9-Ph2-1,10-phen, d]. When NN is bpy* or dmbpy*, the cis-carbonyl, trans-chloro isomer is obtained, whereas when NN is dpbpy* or dpphen the cis-carbonyl, cis-chloro isomer is the predominant product.