Note on the Preparation and Catalytic Properties of Dichlorotris[tris(<i>p</i>-methoxyphenyl)phosphine]ruthenium

Abstract

Abstract The procedure for the preparation of RuCl2[(p-MeOC6H4)3P]3 was improved, resulting in a higher catalytic activity. The complex was thirteen and five times as active as RuCl2(Ph3P)3 in the hydrogenation of 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione (I) and 4-androstene-3,17-dione (II), respectively, indicating that the methoxy complex is more selective for formation of II in the consecutive hydrogenation pathway of I.