Persistence of a Ru₃(μ‐CO)₃(CO)₅Cluster Bound to a PNNP “Expanded Pincer” Ligand in Different Protonation States

Abstract

We report the synthesis and characterization of Ru 3 (μ-CO) 3 (CO) 5 -type cluster complexes bound to a dinucleating PNNP 'expanded pincer' ligand. Each bidentate PN pocket of the ligand chelates a single ruthenium center of the cluster and can undergo deprotonation concomitant with dearomatization of its naphthyridine core. Although the cluster bearing a partially dearomatized ligand reacts with H 2 , we found no indication that this proceeds via a pathway involving metalligand cooperativity.