Cyclometallation of NHCs is a well established reaction known for many transition metal centres. We have found that the ruthenium dichloride precursors Ru(PPh3)3Cl2, Ru(DMSO)4Cl2 and [Ru(cod)Cl2]n all bring about the metallation of 1,3-dialkyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidenes where, alkyl = Et and iPr. Upon turning to Ru(PPh3)3HCl, we have observed that the non-metallated tetrakiscarbene species [Ru(NHC)4H]+ are formed instead where alkyl = Me, Et and iPr. The reaction chemistry of both metallated and non-metallated species towards small molecules, including CO, PR3 and NHR2.BH3 will be described.

Synthesis and reactivity of metallated and non-metallated N-alkyl NHC complexes of ruthenium

244th National Meeting (2012)

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