X-RAY CRYSTAL-STRUCTURE DETERMINATION OF (PHCOO)2(PPH3)2(CO)2RU - STEREOCHEMISTRY ASSIGNMENTS

The complexes (PhCOO)2(PPh3)2(CO)2Ru (1) and (p-MeC6H4COO)2(PPh3)2(CO)2Ru (2) have been made by treating tricarbonylbis(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium(0) with benzoic and p-toluic acid, respectively. An X-ray diffraction study of 1 has revealed an octahedral geometry with trans disposition of the phosphine ligands and cis disposition of the carbonyl ligands. The same stereochemistry is assigned to complex 2 and to several related complexes previously reported. This stereochemical assignment clarifies some conflicting statements in the literature. © 1990.