Synthesis and crystal structure of [Ru2(μ-pyS)3(pyS)2](CF3SO3): the first Ru(III) complex of 2-mercaptopyridine

Lantern-type Ru2(OAc)4Cl reacts with pySH with complete substitution of the acetate ligands and oxidation to give a bioctahedral dimer [Ru2(μ-pyS)3(pyS)2](CF3SO3) (1), (Ru–Ru 2.693 Å) – the first Ru(III) complex of 2-mercaptopyridine. One-electron oxidation and reduction states of the dimer are also electrochemically accessible. The similarity in the behaviour of 2-mercaptopyridine and dithiocarbamates as ligands to Ru(III) is also addressed.