The first water-soluble tetraphosphorus ruthenium complex. Synthesis, characterization and kinetic study of its hydrolysis

Reaction of the water-soluble complex [CpRu(TPPMS)2Cl] (1) [TPPMS = sodium salt of m-monosulfonated triphenylphosphine, Ph2P(m-C6H4SO3Na)] with 1 equiv of white phosphorus in the presence of TlPF6 or AgBF4 as chloride scavengers, yielded the stable hydrosoluble complexes [CpRu(TPPMS)2(η1-P4)]X (2) (X = PF6, BF4). Addition of water to DMF solutions of 2 causes hydrolysis ovf coordinated P4 giving as main products complexes [CpRu(TPPMS)2(PH3)]X (3) (X = PF6, BF4) together with hydrogen and phosphorous acid, H3PO3. The new complexes have been characterized by 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy in solution. Kinetic data and activation parameters of the hydrolysis process are reported.