Stoichiometric applications of eta(6)-arene ruthenium(II) complexes in organic chemistry

eta (6)-Arene ruthenium(II) complexes are versatile and potentially valuabl e synthetic intermediates that have seen applications in diverse areas of o rganic chemistry. Though not as widely utilized as other arene metal comple xes, arene ruthenium derivatives exhibit unique and useful reactivity patte r;is, and are typically easily handled air- and moisture-stable materials. This review summarizes the salient features of three common types of arene ruthenium (II) complexes: piano stool complexes, his (arene) complexes, and (arene)Ru(II) cyclopentadienyl complexes. Typical preparative methods and common reactions of these ruthenium derivatives are presented. In addition, selected applications of arene ruthenium(II) complexes in organic chemistr y are discussed. These applications include the use of arene ruthenium(II) complexes in "bioorganometallic" chemistry, as intermediates in the synthes is of macrocyclic peptides, as models suitable for mimicking the action of hydrotreating catalysts, as intermediates and constituents of organometalli c polymers, and as building blocks in supramolecular chemistry.