Octahedral ruthenium(II) complexes cis,cis-[RuX2(CNR)(CO)(P∧P)] and cis,cis,cis-[RuX2(CO)2(P∧P)] (X = Cl, Br; P∧P = 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene, 1,1′-bis(diisopropylphosphino)ferrocene): Synthesis and catalytic applications in transfer hydrogenat

Carbonyl–isocyanide-ruthenium(II) complexes cis,cis-[RuX2(CNR)(CO)(P∧P)] (P∧P = dppf, dippf; X = Cl, Br; R = Bn, Cy, tBu, 2,6-C6H3Me2, (S)-(−)-C(H)MePh) (3–6a–e) have been prepared in high yields by treatment of the dimeric derivatives [{RuX(μ-X)(CO)(P∧P)}2] (P∧P = dppf, dippf; X = Cl, Br) (1–2a–b) with isocyanides. Dimers 1–2a–b also react with carbon monoxide to afford the dicarbonyl species cis,cis,cis-[RuX2(CO)2(P∧P)] (7–8a–b). The catalytic activity of these compounds in transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone by propan-2-ol as well as in cycloisomerization of (Z)-3-methylpent-2-en-4-yn-1-ol into 2,3-dimethylfuran has been studied.