Spectral and catalytic studies of ruthenium(III) Schiff base complexes

Twelve low spin ruthenium(III) Schiff base complexes of the type [RuX(EPh3) (LL′)] (where X=Cl or Br; E=P or As; LL′=dibasic tetradentate Schiff base) were synthesized and characterized. These complexes catalyze oxidation of primary alcohol with up to 87.9% in the presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMO).