Building blocks for self-assembly: half-sandwich complexes of the [Ru([9]aneS3)]2+ metal center

The X-ray crystal structure of the complex [([9]aneS3)Ru(PhCN)3][PF6] (1) is reported. The metal coordination geometry of this structure is compared to that of the previously reported, [([9]aneS3)Ru(py)3][PF6]2. This comparison clarifies conditions required for the successful synthesis of suitable, structurally robust building blocks for the future synthesis of higher order oligomeric structures. As a first approach to this strategy, the synthesis, and physical properties, of several appropriately functionalised half-sandwich complexes of the [Ru([9]aneS3)]2+ metal center are reported.