Homo and co-oligomerization of C2-C5 olefins in the presence of cluster ruthenium complexes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0022-328X(96)06464-9

Propene can be oligomerized using Ru₃(CO)₁₂ as catalytic precursor in solution of a hydrogen donor solvent or in the presence of ethylene. Ethylene-propene mixtures undergo oligomerization in the presence of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ at 120°C with conversions even higher than 80%. Higher olefins do not react in the presence of this catalytic system. Ruthenium hydrides and alkyls are suggested intermediates in this catalytic cycle.