High-Yield Synthesis of New Ni–Ru Carbido–Carbonyl Clusters

Four new bimetallic Ni–Ru mixed-metal carbido–carbonyl clusters of a general formula [NiRu5C(CO)14 L2], where L2 = dppe (2), dppp (5), (PPh3)2 (8) and (PBu3)2 (13) were synthesised following the general synthetic strategy using penta- and hexaruthenium carbido carbonyl dianions in the reactions with corresponding dichloro complexes of Ni(II). The molecular and crystal structures of 2, 5, 7, 8, and 13 were determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. The mixed-metal core is octahedral with the P atoms coordinating to the Ru atoms.