Stoichiometric and catalytic activation of small molecules by N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of ruthenium

4PM, 27th November 2003, Physics Lecture Theatre

Dr Mike Whittlesey, University of Bath

NHCs have been the focus of intense interest in homogeneous catalysis due to their ability to impart metal complexes with good thermal stability, resistance to decomposition and high activity.
A number of recent reports suggest that NHCs can undergo facile activation reactions at late metal centres. This has important implications for catalyst deactivation pathways

Thermolysis of the arsine complex Ru(AsPh3)3(CO)H2 with IMes affords the stable bis-carbene solvent complexes Ru(IMes)2(CO)(S)H2 (S=EtOH, H2O), which contain a rare Trans-Hydride configuration.

These two complexes prove to be useful precursors for a range of compounds with Ru-heteroatom bonds.For further details of the Royal Society of Chemistry series of lectures at the Univer.sity of Warwick, please visit the Department of Chemistry website http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/chemistry/