Cyclopentadienyl ruthenium(II) dithiocarbamate complexes: Crystal structures of [CpRu(PPh3)(S2CNPr2)] and [CpRu(PPh3)(S2CNMeBu)]

Thermolysis of [CpRuCl(PPh₃)₂] and NaS₂CNPr₂ or NaS₂CNMeBu in methanol affords the ruthenium(II) dithiocarbamate complexes, [CpRu(PPh₃)(S₂CNPr₂)] and [CpRu(PPh₃)(S₂CNMeBu)], which have been crystallographically characterized. A similar treatment of two equivalents of [CpRuCl(PPh₃)₂] with the bis(dithiocarbamate) ligand derived from 1,3-homopiperazine affords [{CpRu(PPh₃)}₂(μ-S₂CNC₅H₁₀NCS₂)].     

Ligand connected metal clusters. The molecular structures and solid state packing of {Ru3(CO)11}2(bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) and {Ru3(CO)11}2(1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene)

The preparation and structural characterization of {Ru₃(CO)₁₁}₂(1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene), a modified synthesis of 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene, and the structural characterization of {Ru₃(CO)₁₁}₂(bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) are reported. In both compounds two metal cluster units are connected through ditertiary-phosphine ligands. Both molecules consist of centrosymmetric units in which the diphosphine ligands are largely covered by the triangular ruthenium clusters. No direct interaction between the two cluster units occurs within individual molecules. Molecular packing in the solid state is dominated by interactions between sets of carbon monoxide ligands in motifs that were previously identified in the solid state structure of the parent cluster, Ru₃(CO)₁₂.     

Mixed-metal butterfly acetamidediato clusters derived from a highly reactive ruthenium oxo cluster: synthesis and characterization of [(PPh3)2N][MRu3(CO)12(η-μ3-NC(μ-O)CH3)], (M = Mn or Re)

Analogy with the isolable oxo cluster [Fe₃(CO)₉(μ₃-O)]²⁻, which is structurally interesting and synthetically useful, prompted the present attempt to synthesize its ruthenium analog. Although the high reactivity of [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ₃-O)]²⁻ (I) prevented its isolation, the reaction of this species with [M(CO)₃(NCCH₃)]⁺, where M = Mn or Re, yields [PPN][MRu₃(CO)₁₂(η²-μ₃-NC(μ-O)CH₃]⁻. The high nucleophilicity of the oxo ligand in [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ₃-O)]²⁻ (I) appears to be responsible for the conversion of acetonitrile to an acetamidediato ligand and for the instability of I. The crystal structure of [PPN][MnRu₃(CO)₁₂(η²-μ₃-NC(μ-O)CH₃)]] reveals a hinged butterfly array of metal atoms in which the acetamidediato ligand bridges the two wings with μ₃-N bonding to an Mn and two Ru atoms, and μ-O bonding to an Ru atom.     

Ru2(CO)4(OOCR)2L2 sawhorse-type complexes containing axial 5-(4-pyridyl)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin ligands

The thermal reaction of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ with various carboxylic acids (benzoic, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic, ferrocenic, stearic, oleic, 4-(octadecyloxy)benzoic) in refluxing tetrahydrofuran, followed by addition of 5-(4-pyridyl)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin (L), gives the dinuclear complexes Ru₂(CO)₄(OOCR)₂L₂ (1: R = -C₆H₅, 2: R = -CH₂-p-C₆H₄OH, 3: R = -C₅H₄FeC₅H₅, 4: R = -(CH₂)₁₆CH₃, 5: R = -(CH₂)₇CHCH(CH₂)₇CH₃, 6: R = -p-C₆H₄O(CH₂)₁₇CH₃). Complexes 1-6 were characterised by IR, NMR, and ESI-MS as well as by elemental analysis. The UV-Vis spectra show the Soret band centred at 417 nm and the Q bands at 515, 550, 590 and 645 nm, respectively.     

New ruthenium complexes from Ru3(CO)12 and 6-Alkyl- or 6-Phenyl-2-hydroxypyridines

Trirutheniumdodecacarbonyl (Ru₃(CO)₁₂) reacts with 2-hydroxy-6-methylpyridine and with 2-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoline in toluene to form centrosymmetric tetranuclear complexes of the type [Ru(η², μ-L)(CO)₂(μ₃-L)Ru(CO)₂]₂, where L is the respective (N,O)-pyridonate ligand (2 and 3). The structures of these complexes, which are almost insoluble in all common solvents, could be determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Reaction of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ with 2-hydroxy-4,6-diphenylpyridine in methanol includes ortho-metallation at the phenyl ring, furnishing the dinuclear complex [Ru(κ²N,C-L)(CO)₂(μ-OCH₃)₂Ru(CO)₂ (κ²N,C-L)] (4), where L = (2-(6-hydroxy-4-phenylpyridin-2-yl)phenyl), according to an X-ray crystal structure determination.     

The coordination chemistry of cationic main group clusters: syntheses and structures of [Fe3(Se2)2(CO)10] and [Fe4(Se2)3(CO)12]

The reactions of the polysulfur and selenium cationic clusters S₈²⁺ and Se₈²⁺ with various iron carbonyls were investigated. Several new chalcogen containing iron carbonyl cluster cations were isolated, depending on the nature of the counteranion. In the presence of SbF₆⁻ as a counterion, the cluster [Fe₃(E₂)₂(CO)₁₀] [SbF₆]₂·SO₂ (E = S, Se) could be isolated from the reaction of E₈²⁺ and excess iron carbonyl. The cluster is a picnic-basket shaped molecule of two iron centers linked by two Se₂ groups, with the whole fragment capped by an Fe(CO)₄ group. Crystallographic data for C₁₀O₁₂Fe₃Se₄Sb₂F₁₂S (I): space group monoclinic P2₁/c, A = 11.810(9), b = 24.023(6), c = 10.853(7) Å, β = 107.15(5)°, V = 2942(3) ų, Z = 4, R = 0.0426, R_w = 0.0503. When Sb₂F₁₁⁻ is present as the counterion, or Se₄[Sb₂F₁₁]₂ is used as the cluster cation source, a different cluster can be isolated, which has the formula [Fe₄(Se₂)₃(CO)₁₂] [SbF₆]₂·3SO₂. The dication contains two Fe₂Se₂ fragments bridged by an Se₂ group. Crystallographic data for C₁₂O₁₈Fe₄Se₆Sb₂F₁₂S₃ (III): space group triclinic , b = 18.400(9), C = 10.253(4) Å, = 93.10(4), β = 103.74(3), γ = 93.98(3)°, V = 1995(1) ų, Z = 2, R = 0.0328, R_w = 0.0325. The CO stretches in the IR spectrum all show a large shift to higher wavenumbers, suggesting almost no τ backbonding from the metals. This also correlates with the observed bond distances. All the compounds are extremely sensitive to air and water, and readily lose SO₂ when removed from the solvent. Thus all the crystals were handled at −100°C. The clusters seem to be either insoluble or unstable in all solvents investigated.     

Synthesis, spectroscopy and magnetism of novel metal complexes of 3-aminoflavone (3-af). X-ray crystal structure of 3-af and [Cu(3-af)2(NO3)2]

The synthesis and characterization of four new complexes with the bioactive ligand 3-aminoflavone (3-af) are reported. The complexes of general formula [M(3-af)₂(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂ · nH₂O], where M = Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II), and n = 0, 2, 0, respectively, and [Cu(3-af)₂(NO₃)₂] compound were prepared and studied. In particular, to investigate the binding in detail, the crystal structures of the free ligand (3-af) and [Cu(3-af)₂(NO₃)₂] (1) were determined. The new coordination compounds were identified and characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic measurements, and infrared and ligand-field spectra. The crystal structure of the Cu(II) complex reveals that the ligand acts as a N,O-bidentate chelate ligand forming a five-membered ring with the copper(II) ion. The copper(II) ion is octahedrally surrounded by the two amino nitrogens and two carbonyl oxygens from two chelating organic ligands in trans arrangement. Two molecules of coordinated nitrate anions occupy axial positions. The spectral and magnetic properties are in accordance with the structural data of the copper(II) compound. From X-ray powder-diffraction patterns and IR spectra, the complexes of nickel(II) (2) and cobalt(II) (3) were found to be mutually isomorphous. The results of the spectroscopic studies suggest a mononuclear structure of 2 and 3 complexes. The variable-temperature (1.8-300 K) magnetic susceptibility data of 2 indicate a weak ferromagnetic interaction. The magnetic behavior of complex 3 is characteristic of cobalt(II) systems with an important orbital contribution via spin-orbit-coupling and also suggests a weak ferromagnetic interaction.     

O-Alkylthio- and O-alkylselenooxalate iron complexes: Structures of CpFe(CO)2ECOCO2Me and [CpFe(CO)2ECO]2

When the iron sulfide complexes (μ-S_x)[CpFe(CO)₂]₂ (x = 2, 3) are treated with O-alkyl oxalyl chlorides ROCOCOCl the complexes CpFe(CO)₂SCOCO₂R (1) [R = Me (a), Et (b)] are obtained. Similarly, the complexes CpFe(CO)₂SeCOCO₂R (2) are obtained from the analogous iron selenide (μ-Se)[CpFe(CO)₂]₂ reaction with the same reagents. Treatment of the iron selenide with half equivalent of oxalyl chloride produces the dimeric complex [CpFe(CO)₂SeCO]₂ (3). The new complexes, 1, 2 and 3, have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The solid state structures of 1a, 2a, 3 and [CpFe(CO)₂SCO]₂ (4) were determined by an X-ray crystal structure analysis.     

Reductive thiocyanolysis of tetraoxorhenate (VII): Synthesis, crystal structure, catalytic oxidation and kinetic studies of (PPh4)2[Re(NCS)6] and (PPh4)2[ReO(NCS)5]

Thiocyanate ions reduce perrhenate in aqueous acidic solution, and on addition of a suitable countercation (PPh₄Cl) afford (PPh₄)₂[Re(NCS)₆] (1) and (PPh₄)₂[ReO(NCS)₅] (2), which have been confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The kinetics of the above reaction has been studied. Both the complexes exhibit efficient and highly selective catalytic epoxidation ability in the presence of NaHCO₃ as a co-catalyst and competent catalytic properties in the selective oxidation of alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes or ketones in the presence of pyrazole as an additive and sulfides to sulfoxides and sulfones. H₂O₂ was used as the terminal oxidant in all the above-mentioned oxidation reactions.     

Syntheses, spectra and crystal structures of ruthenium(II) complexes with polypyridyl: [Ru(bipy)2(phen)](ClO4)2 · H2O and [Ru(bipy)2(Me-phen)](ClO4)2

Two ruthenium(II) complexes with polypyridyl, Ru(bipy)₂(phen)](ClO₄)₂·H₂O (1) and [Ru(bipy)₂(Me-phen)](ClO₄)₂ (2), (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, Me-phen = 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline), were synthesized and characterized by IR, MS and NMR spectra. Their structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The strong steric interaction between the polypyridyl ligands was relieved neither by the elongation of the Ru---N bonds nor increase of the N---Ru---N bite angles. The coordination sphere was distorted to relieve the ligand interaction by forming specific angles (δ) between the polypyridyl ligand planes and coordination planes (N---Ru---N), and forming larger twisted angles between the two pyridine rings for each bipy. The bond distances of Ru---N(bipy) and Ru---N(phen) were virtually identical with experimental error, as expected of π back-bonding interactions which statistically involve each of the ligands present in the coordination sphere.     

The ReH6[P(C6H5)3]2 ion as a ligand: complexes with M(CO)3 fragments (M = Cr, Mo, W)

The reactions of [(H₅C₆)₃P]₂ReH₆⁻ with (CH₃CN)₃Cr(CO)₃, (diglyme)Mo(CO)₃ or (C₃H₇CN)₃W(CO)₃ led to the formation of [(H₅C₆)₃P]₂ReH₆M(CO)₃⁻ (M = Cr, Mo, W) complexes. These have been characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopies, as well as elemental analyses. A single crystal X-ray diffraction study has also been carried out for the M = Cr complex as a K(18-crown-6)⁺ salt. The complex crystallizes as a THF monosolvate in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a = 22.323(6), B = 9.523(2), C = 27.502(5) Å, β = 104.98(2)⁰ and V = 5648 ų for Z = 4. The Re---Cr separation is 2.5745(12) Å, and the two phosphine ligands are oriented unsymmetrically. Although the hydride ligands were not found, the presence of three bridging hydrides and a dodecahedral coordination geometry about rhenium could be inferred. Low temperature ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopic studies did not reveal the low symmetry of the solid state structure.     

Synthetic and mechanistic studies on ruthenium dicarbonyl complexes containing PhP(CH2CH2CH2PCy2)2 (Cyttp) ligand

A synthetic and mechanistic study is reported on ligand substitution and other reactions of six-coordinate ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes containing tridentate PhP(CH₂CH₂CH₂PCy₂)₂ (Cyttp). Carbonylation of cis-mer-Ru(OSO₂CF₃)₂(CO)(Cyttp) (1) affords [cis-mer-Ru(OSO₂CF₃)(CO)₂(Cyttp)]O₃SCF₃ (2(O₃SCF₃)) and, on longer reaction times, [cis-mer-Ru(solvent)(CO)₂(Cyttp)](O₃SCF₃)₂ (solvent = acetone, THF, methanol). 2(O₃SCF₃) reacts with each of NaF, LiCl, LiBr, NaI, and LiHBEt₃ to yield [cis-mer-RuX(CO)₂(Cyttp)]⁺ (X = F (3), Cl (4), Br (5), I (6), H (7)), isolated as 3-7(BPh₄). These conversions proceed with high stereospecificity to afford only a single isomer of the product that is assigned a structure in which the Ph group of Cyttp points toward the CO trans to X (anti when X = F, Cl, Br, or I; syn when X = H). Treatment of 2(O₃SCF₃) with NaOMe and CO generates the methoxycarbonyl complex [cis-mer-Ru(CO₂Me)(CO)₂(Cyttp)]⁺ (8), whereas addition of excess n-BuLi to 2(O₃SCF₃) in THF under CO affords mer-Ru(CO)₂(Cyttp) (9). The two ¹³C isotopomers [cis-mer-Ru(OSO₂CF₃)(CO)(¹³CO)(Cyttp)]O₃SCF₃ (2′(O₃SCF₃): ¹³CO trans to P_C; 2″(O₃SCF₃): ¹³CO cis to all P donors) were synthesized by appropriate adaptations of known transformations and used in mechanistic studies of reactions with each of LiHBEt₃, NaOMe/CO, and n-BuLi. Whereas LiHBEt₃ reacts with 2′(O₃SCF₃) and 2″(O₃SCF₃) to replace triflate by hydride without any scrambling of the carbonyl ligands, the corresponding reactions of NaOMe-CO are more complex. The methoxide combines with the CO cis to triflate in 2, and the resultant methoxycarbonyl ligand ends up positioned trans to the incoming CO in 8. A mechanism is proposed for this transformation. Finally, treatment of either 2′(O₃SCF₃) or 2″(O₃SCF₃) with an excess of n-BuLi leads to the formation of the same two ruthenium(0) isomers of mer-Ru(CO)(¹³CO)(Cyttp). These products represent, to our knowledge, the first example of a syn-anti pair of isomers of a five-coordinate metal complex.     

Photocatalyzed isomerization of 1-pentene by Ru3(CO)12 adsorbed onto porous Vycor glass

UV photolysis of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ physisorbed onto porous Vycor glass leads to the oxidative addition product (μ-H)Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ-OSi). The latter reacts thermally with 1-pentene to form a stable adduct, HRu₃(CO)₁₀(OSi)(1-C₅H₁₀), and photolysis of the adduct results in isomerization of the alkene. HRu₃(CO)₁₀(OSi)(1-C₅H₁₀) + hv → (μ-H)Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ-OSi) + 2-pentene As with other photoactivated hybrid systems, the cis-/trans-2-pentene product ratio changes during photolysis. Unlike the other systems, where light generates a thermal catalyst, the data gathered here indicate a photoassisted catalytic process in which photoactivation of HRu₃(CO)₁₀(OSi)(1-C₅H₁₀) leads to an excited state similar to a π-allyl complex.     

X-ray crystal structure of the trifluoroacetylcobalt complex CF3COCo(CO)3(PPh3) - Implications for the relationship between structure and reactivity toward migratory insertion of carbon monoxide in cobalt alkyl complexes

In order to gain insight into the bonding in perfluoroalkyl and perfluoroacyl complexes of transition metals, the X-ray crystal structure of CF₃COCo(CO)₃(PPh₃) has been determined. Comparison of this structure with that previously reported by us for CF₃Co(CO)₃(PPh₃) and several other acyl/alkyl pairs reported by others highlights the cobalt-carbon bond contraction in the perfluoroalkyl complex and provides an explanation for why such complexes do not undergo migratory insertion of CO. Comparisons of cobalt-carbon bond lengths in hydrocarbon alkyl and acyl complexes show that the acyl complexes exhibit uniformly shorter bonds than the alkyl complexes, consistent with their ability to undergo CO insertion under mild conditions, and in contrast to the shorter Co-C bond length in the CF₃ complex relative to that in the COCF₃ species. Several other unique features of the bonding in the CF₃ complex become evident upon comparison with the CF₃CO complex and several hydrocarbon alkyl and acyl complexes. Other interesting comparisons include carbonyl stretching frequencies in the IR spectra of these complexes.     

Equilibrium, solid state behavior and reactions of four and five co-ordinate carbonyl stibine complexes of rhodium. Crystal Structures of trans-[Rh(Cl)(CO)(SbPh3)2], trans-[Rh(Cl)(CO)(SbPh3)3] and trans-[Rh(I)2(CH3)(CO)(SbPh3)2]

The crystal structures of the four-coordinate trans-[Rh(Cl)(CO)(SbPh₃)₂] (1) and the five-coordinate trans-[Rh(Cl)(CO)(SbPh₃)₃] (2) are reported, as well as the unexpected oxidative addition product, trans-[Rh(I)₂(CH₃)(CO)(SbPh₃)₂] (3), obtained from the reaction of 2 with CH₃I. The formation constants of the five-coordinate complex were determined in dichloromethane, benzene, diethyl ether, acetone and ethyl acetate as 163±8, 363±10, 744±34, 1043±95 and 1261±96 M⁻¹, respectively. While coordinating solvents facilitate the formation of the five-coordinate complex, the four-coordinate complex could be obtained from diethyl ether due to the favorable low crystallization energy. The tendency of stibine ligands to form five-coordinate rhodium(I) complexes is attributed mainly to electron deficient metal centers in these systems, with smaller contributions by the steric effects. The average effective cone angle for the SbPh₃ ligand in the three crystallographic studies was determined as 139° with individual values ranging from 133 to 145°.     

Novel [Ru(polypyridine)(CO)2Cl2] and [Ru(polypyridine)2(CO)Cl]-type complexes: Characterizing the effects of introducing azopyridyl ligands by electrochemical, spectroscopic and crystallographic measurements

The reaction of ruthenium carbonyl polymer ([Ru(CO)₂Cl₂]_n) with azopyridyl compounds (2,2′-azobispyridine; apy or 2-phenylazopyridine; pap) generated new complexes, [Ru(azo)(CO)₂Cl₂] (azo = apy, pap). [Ru(apy)(CO)₂Cl₂] underwent photodecarbonylation to give a chloro-bridged dimer complex, whereas the corresponding pap complex ([Ru(pap)(CO)₂Cl₂]) was not converted to a dimer. The reactions of the chloro-bridged dimer containing the bpy ligand (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) with either apy or pap resulted in the formation of mixed polypyridyl complexes, [Ru(azo)(bpy)(CO)Cl]⁺. The novel complexes containing azo ligands were characterized by various spectroscopic measurements including the determination of X-ray crystallographic structures. Both [Ru(azo)(CO)₂Cl₂] complexes have two CO groups in a cis position to each other and two chlorides in a trans position. The azo groups are situated cis to the CO ligand in [Ru(azo)(bpy)(CO)Cl]⁺. All complexes have azo N-N bond lengths of 1.26-1.29 Å. The complexes exhibited azo-based two-electron reduction processes in electrochemical measurements. The effects of introducing azopyridyl ligands to the ruthenium carbonyl complexes were examined by ligand-based redox potentials, stretching frequencies and force constants of CO groups and bond parameters around Ru-CO moieties.     

Comparative reactivity of triorganosilanes, HSi(OEt)3 and HSiEt3, with IrCl(CO)(PPh3)2. Formation of IrCl(H)2(CO)(PPh3)2 or Ir(H)2(SiEt3)(CO)(PPh3)2 depending on the substituents at Si

Reaction of HSi(OEt)₃ with IrCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (5:1 molar ratio) at room temperature for 1 h gives IrCl(H){Si(OEt)₃}(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (1), which is observed by the ¹H and ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectra of the reaction mixture. The same reaction, but in 20:1 molar ratio at 50 °C for 24 h produces IrCl(H)₂(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (2) rather than the expected product Ir(H)₂{Si(OEt)₃}(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (3) that was previously reported to be formed by this reaction. Accompanying formation of Si(OEt)₄, (EtO)₃SiOSi(OEt)₃, and (EtO)₂HSiOSi(OEt)₃ is observed. On the other hand, trialkylhydrosilane HSiEt₃ reacts with IrCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (10:1 molar ratio) at 80 °C for 84 h to give Ir(H)₂(SiEt₃)(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (4) in a high yield, accompanying with a release of ClSiEt₃.     

Five-coordinate rhenium(III)-thiolato complexes: the structure of [Re(SCH2PhOCH3)3(PPh3)2]

A novel five-coordinate rhenium(III)-thiolato complex, Re(SCH₂C₆H₄OCH₃-p)₃(PPh₃)₂ has been isolated during the reaction of trans-ReOCl₃(PPh₃)₂ with p-methoxybenzyl mercaptan. In the unexpected structure that was acquired, the central metal has undergone a reduction from Re(V) to Re(III). The five-coordinate Re(III) complex has been characterized by spectroscopic methods, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography. X-ray crystallographic studies showed the coordination geometry around rhenium to be that of a trigonal bipyramid. The basal plane is defined by three sulfur atoms of the monodentate ligand, while the two apical positions are occupied by two phosphines of the precursor.     

The new enneanuclear nickel carbonyl anion [Ni9(CO)16] and its relationships with the [Ni12(CO)21] and [Ni6Rh3(CO)17] clusters

The reaction of [N(PPh₃)₂]₂[Ni₆(CO)₁₂] with Cu(PPh₃)_xCl (x=1, 2), as well as the degradation of [N(PPh₃)₂]₂[H₂Ni₁₂(CO)₂₁] with PPh₃, affords the new and unstable dark orange–brown [N(PPh₃)₂]₂[Ni₉(CO)₁₆].THF salt in low yields. This salt has been characterized by a CCD X-ray diffraction determination, along with IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The close-packed two-layer metal core geometry of the [Ni₉(CO)₁₆]²⁻ dianion is directly related to that of the bimetallic [Ni₆Rh₃(CO)₁₇]³⁻ trianion and may be envisioned to be formally derived from the hcp three-layer geometry of [Ni₁₂(CO)₂₁]⁴⁻ by the substitution of one of the two outer [Ni₃(CO)₃(μ−CO)₃]²⁻ layers with a face-bridging carbonyl group.     

Synthesis and properties of the dichloro [tetramethyl (trifluoromethyl)cyclopentadienyl]ruthenium dimer: X-ray structure of [M2(η-C5Me4CF3)2Cl2(μ-Cl)2] (M=Ru, Rh)

The reaction of RuCl₃(H₂O), with C₅Me₄CF₃J in refluxing EtOH gives [Ru₂(η⁵-C₅Me₁CF₂)₂ (μ-Cl₂] (20 in 44% yield. Dimer 2 antiferromagnetic (−2J=200 cm¹). The crystal structures of 2 (rhombohedral system, R3 space group, Z=9, R=0.0589) and [Rh₂(η⁵-C₅Me₄CF₃(₂Cl₂(μ-Cl)₂] (3) (rhombohedral system. space group, Z = 9, R = 0.0641) were solved; both complexes have dimeric structures with a trans arrangement of the η⁵-C₅Me₄CF₄ rings. Comparison of the geometry of 2 and 3 with those of the corresponding η⁵-C₅Me₅ complexes shows that lowering the ring symmetry causes significant distortion of the M₂(μ-Cl)₂ moiety. The analysis of the MCl₃ fragment conformations in 2 and 3 and in the η⁵-C₅ME₅ analogues shows that they are correlated with the M---M distances. The Cl atoms are displaced by Br on reaction of 2 with KBr in MeOH to give the diamagnetic dimer [Ru₂(η⁵-C₅Me₄CF₃)₂Br₂ (μ-Br₂] (4). Complex 2 reacts with O₂ in CH₂Cl₂ solution at ambient temperature to form a mixture of isomeric η⁶-fulvene dimers [Ru₂(η⁶-C₅Me₃CF₃ = CH₂)₂Cl₂(μ-Cl)₂] (5). Reactions of 5 with CO and allyl chloride give Ru(η⁵-C₅Me₃CF₃CH₂Cl)(CO)₂Cl (6) and Ru(η⁵-C₅Me₃CF₃CF₃CH₂Cl)(η³-C₃H₅)Cl₂ (7) respectively.