Abstract

The synthesis of the new ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(NBD)C12L] and [Ru(NBD)C1L(PPh3)]PF6 (where NBD = bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene, L = 2,2?bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline, or some di or tetra methylated 1,10-phenanthroline) is reported. By spectroscopy, the trans character of the neutral complexes was deduced. These complexes show catalytic activity in the water gas shift reaction (WGSR) under quite moderate conditions and they are very active catalysts for the hydrogen transfer reactions from isopropanol to acetophenone. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.