A ruthenium(IV) oxo complex that contains a tertiary diamine ligand

Abstract

The complex [Ru(terpy)(tmen)(OH₂)]²⁺(terpy = 2,2′:6′2″-terpyridine, tmen =N,N,N′,N′-tetra-methylethylenediamine) and its corresponding oxo complex have been prepared. Their spectral properties and redox properties in aqueous solution were investigated. Evidence for two one-electron redox processes has been obtained for the Ru^IV–Ru^III and Ru^III–Ru^II couples.

The reactions of the new ruthenium(IV) oxo species with olefins have been found to proceed with second-order kinetics, rate =k₂[Ru^IV][olefin] where k₂=(3.3 ± 0.3)× l0^–3 and (2.0 ± 0.2)× 10^–2 dm³ mol^–1 s^–1 at 25 °C for norbornene and styrene respectively.