A simple and convenient synthesis of cis/trans-RuH2(Ph2PCH2PPh2) 2 and of trans-RuHCl(Ph2PCH2PPh2)2

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0020-1693(98)00019-X

Treatment of a suspension of cis-RuCl₂(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)₂ in ethanol or 2-propanol with a large excess of KOH leads, in a very clean reaction and in less than 2 min when ethanol is used, to the formation of cis/trans-RuH₂(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) ₂ in yields of up to 90%. Similar treatment of the cis-dichloro complex with a small excess of KOH gives, over a longer period, trans-RuHCl(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)₂ in 64% yield and this complex can, in turn, be converted under similar conditions into the cis/trans-dihydride in moderate yields. trans-RuCl₂(Ph₂PCH₂Ph₂)₂ is unreactive under these conditions.