Chlorocarbonyl ruthenium(II) complexes of tripodal triphos {MeC(CH2PPh2)3}: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic applications in transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds

The complex [Ru(CO)2(triphos-κ2P)Cl2] (1) underwent decarbonylation in dichloromethane solution under air over a period of about two weeks to afford the chelated monocarbonyl complex [Ru(CO)(triphos-κ3P)Cl2] (2). The Single Crystal X-ray structure of 2 showed a slightly distorted metal centred complex. The catalytic activity of one of the complexes [Ru(CO)(triphos-κ3P)Cl2] (2) was examined in the transfer hydrogenation of aromatic carbonyl compounds and was found to be efficient with conversion up to 100% in the presence of isopropanol/NaOH.