New Ruthenium(II) CNC-Pincer Bis(carbene) Complexes:  Synthesis and Catalytic Activity

Ru(CNC)(CO)Br 2 and [Ru(CNC) 2 ](PF 6 ) 2 complexes (CNC = 2,6-bis(butylimidazol-2-ylidene)pyridine) are accessible via a simple synthesis. The crystal structures of both complexes have been determined by means of X-ray diffractometry. The catalytic activity of the Ru(CNC)(CO)Br 2 precursor toward hydrogen transfer from alcohols to ketones and oxidation of olefins confirms the versatility of this new phosphine-free Ru catalyst.