cis-β-Ru(II)heteroatom-stabilized-carbene complexes supported by tetradentate Schiff-base salen ligand

A panel of stable ruthenium carbene complexes bearing a tetradentate salen ligand, with their carbene-C atom adjacent to heteroatom, were synthesized from cis-beta-Ru(II)-bis(CO) complex by reacting with the corresponding carbene precursors. These carbene complexes, which were fully characterized by elemental analysis, NMR, IR spectroscopy and X-ray-crystal structure determination, all adopt a cis-beta configuration; the heteroatom (N or O) adjacent to the carbene C atom contributes to the high stability of these complexes both in solution and in solid state. DFT calculations were also performed to gain insight into the Ru-C-carbene bonds. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A series of stable ruthenium carbene complexes with tetradentate salen ligand, featuring the carbene-C atom adjacent to a heteroatom, were synthesized from cis-beta-Ru(II)-bis(CO) complex by reacting with the corresponding carbene precursors. These complexes exhibit high stability in both solution and solid state, with the heteroatom contributing to this stability. DFT calculations provided insight into the Ru-C-carbene bonds.