Reactivity and catalysis at sites trans to the [Ru–Ru] bond

Abstract

The reactivity and catalysis at axial sites of [Ru–Ru] bonded compounds are described. Effect of axial donor at axial site of a [Ru–Ru] single bond, having electronic configuration σ2π4δ2δ*2π*4, is examined. It is shown that the stronger donor leads to longer metal–metal distances. The C–H bond activation and C–C bond formation are studied at axial site of a [Ru2(CO)4]2+ core. Metal–metal and metal–ligand cooperation is exploited for catalytic alcohol dehydrogenation to aldehyde and subsequent coupling with amine to access imine selectively. Catalytic carbene transfer reactions are discussed for a wide range of diruthenium(I,I) compounds. Catalytic utility of metal–metal multiply bonded diruthenium(II,III) compounds for C–H amination reaction is also discussed.