Synthesis and Characterization of Ruthenium(II) Hydrido and Hydroxo Complexes Bearing the 2,6-Bis(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)pyridine Ligand

The reaction of [Ru(CO) 2 Cl 2 ] n with 2,6-bis(di- tert -butylphosphinomethyl)pyridine) (PNP) and then anion exchange yields [Ru(PNP)(CO) 2 Cl]PF 6 ( 1 ). Reaction of 1 with AgBF 4, in acetone, followed by acetonitrile and then anion exchange gave [Ru(PNP)(CO) 2 (CH 3 CN)](PF 6 ) 2 ( 2 ); reaction of 2 with water gave [Ru(PNP)(CO) 2 OH]PF 6 ( 3 ), whereas reaction of 2 with aqueous KOH led to [Ru(PNP)(CO)(CH 3 CN)H]PF 6 ( 4 ). Complexes 3 and 4 have been structurally characterized.