Synthesis and properties of diruthenium(II,III) compounds with trans-2-methyl-2-pentenoate ligand. Crystal structure of Ru2Cl(mu-O2CC(Me)= CHEt)(4)

The reaction of Ru2Cl(mu-O2CMe)(4) with trans-2-methyl-2-pentenoic acid aff ords the polymeric compound Ru2Cl(mu-O2CC (Me)=CHEt)(4) (1). This compound has polymeric structure in solid state, but is non-polymeric in solution. T he reaction of 1 with OPPh3 in CH2Cl2 solution gives Ru2Cl(mu-O2CC(Me)=CHEt )(4)(OPPh3) (2) supporting the non-polymeric structure of 1 in solution. Th e reaction of 1 with AgSCN leads to Ru-2(mu-O2CC(Me)=CHEt)(4)(SCN) (3) whic h also has a polymeric structure in solid state. The Ru-Cl bond in 1 was br oken with AgBF4 in THF solution, giving [Ru-2(mu-O2CC(Me)=CHEt)(4)]BF4 (4). All compounds have been characterised by analysis elemental, spectroscopic data and mass and magnetic measurements. The X-ray analysis of 1 shows [Ru -2(mu-O2CC(Me)=CHEt)(4)](+) units linked by chloride ions giving linear cha ins. The Ru-Ru and Ru-Cl distances are 2.281(1) and 2.5705(9) Angstrom resp ectively. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.