Ruthenium cluster compounds containing 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf): an electrochemical analysis and the crystal structure of [Ru3(CO)11]2(μ-dppf)

The electrochemistry of 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf) derivatives of Ru3(CO)12 was investigated. Two known compounds [Ru3(CO)8(μ-dppf)2 (1) and Ru3(CO)10dppf (2)] and a new compound [Ru3(CO)11(μ-dppf)Ru3(CO)11 (3)] were prepared. Compound 3 was characterized spectroscopically and an X-ray crystal structure was obtained. The reductive electrochemistry of 1 and 2 showed an irreversible reduction and a follow-up oxidation, similar to Ru3(CO)12. The electrochemistry of compound 3 showed two irreversible waves and a follow-up oxidation. A trend in the reduction potential vs. the number of coordinated phosphorus atoms was noted. The oxidative electrochemistry of 1–3 showed a dppf-based chemically reversible wave, and an irreversible wave similar to that of Ru3(CO)12. Trends were also noted between the oxidation potential and the number of coordinated phosphorus atoms.