Synthesis and structure of the first ruthenated benzodiazepines

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/om0205288

[{RuCl(cym)}₂(μ-Cl)₂] (cym = η⁶-p-methyliso-propylbenzene) serves as precursor to synthesize the two first ruthenated benzodiazepines in which deprotonated diazepam is coordinated to a {RuCl(cym)} fragment. In complex 1, obtained by treatment with diazepam in the presence of NaBPh₄ and NEt₃, the coordination is through the imine nitrogen and an ortho carbon of the phenyl substituent. In 2, obtained by reaction of deprotonated diazepam with the metal dimer, the coordination is through the imine nitrogen and the adjacent sp³ carbon of the benzodiazepine.