Synthesis, structure and catalytic activities for hydrogen transfer reaction of the carbonyl ruthenium(II) complex containing polypyridine and phosphine ligands

The synthesis and characterization of new ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes containing polypyridine and triphenylphosphine ligands is reported. Crystallographic information obtained for the trans-PPh3-[Ru(biq)(PPh3)2(CO)]Cl2 complex (biq = 2,2’-biquinoline) reveals five-coordination on the metal. The complexes were studied as catalysts in hydrogen transfer reactions in basic solution. Turnover frequencies in the 2250-817 h-1 range were determined in 1 hour of reaction with a substrate/catalysts ratio of 830.