New synthesis of [RuH(CO)(PPh3)2L2] [BF4] [L2 = 2py, 2(4-Mepy) or bpy] and X-ray crystal structure of [RuH(CO)(PPh3)2(4-Mepy)2] [BF4]

The title compounds were prepared by reaction of RuH2(CO)(PPh3)(3) with [C7H7][BF4] in the presence of excess pyridine, 4-picoline or 2,2'-bipyridine. The compounds were characterized by IR, H-1 and P-31 NMR, and X-ray crystallography (for the 4-Mepy complex). The spectroscopic data as well as the results of the X-ray crystal structure show that the complexes contain trans-oriented phosphines and cis-pyridines. Details of the structural content and selected bond distances and angles are internally consistent. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.