The bis(trifluoroacetate) analogue of the first-generation Grubbs catalyst: Synthesis, X-ray structure, and metathesis activity of [Ru(CF3CO2)(η2-CF3CO2)(double bond; length as m-dashCHPh)(PCy3)2]

A simple synthesis of [Ru(CF3CO2)(η2-CF3CO2)(double bond; length as m-dashCHPh)(PCy3)2] from dimeric [Ru2(CF3CO2)2(μ-CF3CO2)2(double bond; length as m-dashCHPh)2(PCy3)2(μ-H2O)] is described. The new complex crystallizes in monoclinic system (P2(1)/c space group) with distorted octahedral coordination. The very low metathesis activity of this new ruthenium benzylidene complex demonstrates that substitution of chlorides with trifluoroacetates in [RuCl2(double bond; length as m-dashCHPh)(PCy3)2] results in loss of the catalytic activity.