Synthesis of Ru–Arene complexes of Me-Duphos. X-ray, PGSE NMR diffusion and catalytic studies

Cationic [RuCl(arene)(Me-Duphos)]Cl complexes, arene=η6-benzene and η6-p-cymene, Me-Duphos=1,2-bis-((2R,5R)-2,5-dimethylphospholano) benzene) have been prepared and studied by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. PGSE NMR diffusion studies have been used to recognize (a) ion pairing as a function of solvent and (b) larger molecular volumes. Several arene–Ru-complexes have been shown to be useful catalyst precursors in the hydrolysis of terminal aryl alkynes to afford acetophenones.