A structurally characterised ruthenium bis(pyrazolyl)borate benzylidene complex containing an agostic Ru⋯H–C interaction: synthesis and catalytic activity

A ruthenium bis(pyrazolyl)borate benzylidene has been synthesised. A single crystal X-ray diffraction study showed that the complex contained an agostic Ru⋯H–C interaction. The complex displayed catalytic activity for the ring closing metathesis of diethyl diallylmalonate in the presence of CuCl as a co-catalyst in refluxing toluene.