Unusual B4N2C2 Ligand in a Ruthenium Pseudo-Triple-Decker Sandwich Complex Displaying Three Reversible Electron-Transfer Steps

Abstract

Open, sesame: The reaction of a heterobicyclic pentalenediyl-like Me2Ph4B4N2C2 dianion with [{(C5Me5)RuCl}4] cleaves the N[BOND]N bond of the ligand and affords a pseudo-triple-decker sandwich complex containing a B4N2C2 middle deck (see picture). This eight-membered ring features nearly linear B-N-B moieties and brings the ruthenium centers unusually close. Cyclic voltammetry indicates efficient electron delocalization over the framework.