Hexaaquoruthenium(II)

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ic50034a004

The hexaaquoruthenium(II) ion has been separated and characterized in aqueous solution. The ion was formed by electrolytic reduction of ruthenium(III) at a controlled potential of -0.40 v. with respect to a saturated calomel electrode, using a mercury pool cathode. The only anions found which did not interfere with the formation of this ion were tetrafluoroborate and p-toluenesulfonate. In the presence of other anions, either oxidation or complexation of the ruthenium was found to take place. The charge on the ion was determined using ion-exchange methods. The oxidation state of the metal was verified by coulometry and titration of the ion with triiodide. The oxidation potential for the half-reaction Ru⁺² → Ru⁺³ + e^- was found to be -0.22 ± 0.03 v. by polarography.