X-ray structure and reactivity of (eta(4)-tetraphenyleyclopentadienone)(CO)(2)Ru(HOCHMe2): Unexpected stability of the neutral 2-propanol-ruthenium(0) complex with respect to beta-hydride elimination

Abstract

A neutral Ru(0)-alcohol complex, (eta (4)-C4Ph4CO)(CO)(2)Ru(HOCHMe2) (7), was obtained by treating an acetone solution of (eta (4)-C4Ph4CO)Ru(CO)(3) (6) with aqueous Na2CO3 at room temperature, followed by acidification with aqueous NH4Cl at a 0 degreesC. Complex 7 is stable even at 90 degreesC in toluene and showed catalytic activities in the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone in 2-propanol and the racemization of optically active 1-phenylethanol.