A new diphosphine-carbonyl complex of ruthenium: an efficient precursor for C–C and C–N bond coupling catalysis

Abstract

Reaction of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene (dppbz) with [{Ru(CO)₂Cl₂}_n] affords [Ru(dppbz)(CO)₂Cl₂], where the two carbonyls are mutually cis and the two chlorides are trans. The molecular structure of [Ru(dppbz)(CO)₂Cl₂], has been determined by X-ray crystallography, and the stability of the different available stereoisomers has been computationally evaluated. [Ru(dppbz)(CO)₂Cl₂] has been found to serve as an excellent pre-catalyst for catalytic Suzuki-type C–C coupling and Buchwald-type C–N coupling reactions.