H₂Ru₆(CO)₁₈,[HRu₆(CO)₁₈]^–, and [Ru₆(CO)₁₈]^2–: a simple high yield route to these clusters and the X-ray structure of [Ph₃MeP]₂[Ru₆(CO)₁₈]

Abstract

Reaction of Ru3(CO)12 with base gives [HRu3(CO)11]– or [Ru6(CO)18]2– depending upon reaction conditions, and acidification of either produces [HRu6(CO)18]– then H2Ru6(CO)18; X-ray analysis has shown the [Ru6(CO)18]2– dianion to possess octahedral metal geometry with bridging as well as terminal carbonyl ligands.