Reaction of Ru3(CO)12 with but-2-yn-1,4-diol in CH3OH/KOH solution. Crystal structure of (μ-Cl)Ru3(CO)9[μ3-η4-H2CCC(H)CH2]

The reaction of Ru3(CO)12 with but-2-yn-1,4-diol (HOCH2CCCH2OH, BUD) in CH3OH/KOH followed by acidification with HCl leads to four products, one of which has been identified as the title complex (μ-Cl)Ru3(CO)9[μ3-η4-H2CCC(H)CH2]. This is an open cluster containing a bridging Cl atom on the open side and a C4H5 moiety bound to all the metals. The structure of the complex has been determined by X-ray analysis. The thermal reaction of Ru3(CO)12 with BUD has been revisited for a comparison with the results in alkaline solution. The main product is the allylic derivative HRu3(CO)9[HCCHCCHO].