Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of ruthenium(II) complexes containing η6-arene-η1-pyrazole ligands

New ruthenium(II) complexes containing η6-arene-η1-pyrazole ligands were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. In addition, the molecular structure of dichloro-3,5-dimethyl-1-(pentamethylbenzyl)-pyrazole–ruthenium(II), [Ru]L3b, was determined by X-ray diffraction studies. These complexes were applied in the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone by isopropanol in the presence of potassium hydroxide. The activities of the catalysts were monitored by NMR.