THE REACTIVITY OF (MU-H)(2)RU-3(CO)(9)(MU(3)-ETA(2)-C8H12) AND (MU-H)RU-3(CO)(9)(MU(3)-ETA(3)-C12H19)

The reactivity of (mu-H)(2)Ru-3(CO)(9)(mu(3)-eta(2)-C8H12) (1) and (mu -H)Ru-3(CO)(9)(mu(3)-eta(3)-C12H19) (2) with hydrogen and carbon monox ide was studied at elevated temperatures. Also the catalytic activity of 1 in homogeneous hydrogenation of 1-hexene was studied. At the lowe r carbon monoxide pressures compounds 1 and 2 converted to Ru,(CO),, w hile at higher pressures they tend to fragmentate to the other rutheni um carbonyl compounds. Under a hydrogen atmosphere 1 and 2 converted t o H4Ru4(CO)(12) and at higher pressures tend to fragmentate to insolub le black precipitate. Complex 1 has a moderate activity in homogeneous hydrogenation of 1-hexene. Its activity is dependent on the temperatu re: activity increases when the temperature goes up. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.