Synthesis, structure and some reactions of (C5Me4hex)2Ru2(CO)4

The synthesis of the new cyclopentadiene, C5Me4(hex)H is described and its reaction with Ru3(CO)12 to yield (C5Me4hex)2Ru2(CO)4 (hex = n-hexyl) is reported. The X-ray crystal structure of the dimer confirms the structure with bridging and terminal CO groups. Reactions of the dimer to yield (C5Me4hex)Ru(CO)2X (X = Cl, Br, I) are reported. IR, NMR and mass spectra are reported for all new compounds. The solubility of the dimer is found to be 10 times greater than that for (C5Me5)2Ru2(CO)4.