Synthesis and Characterization of Ruthenium(II) Hydrido and Hydroxo Complexes Bearing the 2,6-Bis(di-<i>tert</i>-butylphosphinomethyl)pyridine Ligand

The reaction of [Ru(CO)2Cl2]n with 2,6-bis(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)pyridine) (PNP) and then anion exchange yields [Ru(PNP)(CO)2Cl]PF6 (1). Reaction of 1 with AgBF4, in acetone, followed by acetonitrile and then anion exchange gave [Ru(PNP)(CO)2(CH3CN)](PF6)2 (2); reaction of 2 with water gave [Ru(PNP)(CO)2OH]PF6 (3), whereas reaction of 2 with aqueous KOH led to [Ru(PNP)(CO)(CH3CN)H]PF6 (4). Complexes 3 and 4 have been structurally characterized.