The reaction of [RuCp(L)(CH3CN)2]PF6 (L =
CH3CN, PMe3) with (E)-N-(phenylmethylene)-2-pyridinamine (py-NCHPh) affords the cyclic aminocarbene
complexes [RuCp(L)(CPhNH-py)]PF6, whereas with
L = PPh3, CO the reaction stops already at the stage of
the imine complex [RuCp(L)(κ2
N,N-py-NCHPh)]PF6.
This reaction arguably does not proceed via a direct 1,2-hydrogen shift but seems to involve hydrido iminoacyl
intermediates as a result of C−H bond activation and
deprotonation steps.