The reactivity of ruthenium mono(bipyridine) carbonyl complexes in an alcoholic solution of alkali metal carbonates

Chlorine containing ruthenium bipyridine carbonyl compounds react readily in dilute alkaline solutions under a CO atmosphere affording a poorly soluble and air sensitive product that is suggested to have a polymeric nature. Various analysis methods (MS and TPD) were used in the characterisation of the product. The replacement of the axial chloride ligands in trans(Cl), cis(CO)[Ru(bpy)(CO)2Cl2] and [Ru(bpy)(CO)2Cl]2 is proposed to be the initial step in the polymerisation. The replacement of chlorides in methanolic solution was confirmed by isolating and characterising the dimeric intermediate [Ru(bpy)(CO)2(COOCH3)]2.