Highly conjugated perinones were evaluated as proligands with [Ru(η 6 -arene)Cl 2 ] 2 precursors (arene = p-cymene or benzene). None of them, except itaco-perinone (IP) bearing one exocyclic methylene group, were able to form coordination compounds. Expected η 1 -coordination through the lone pair of the nitrogen or oxygen atoms of the perinone did not occur. Instead a deprotonation reaction involving the exocyclic methylene was observed and the corresponding [Ru(η 6 -arene)- [a] 3494 (η 3 -IP)Cl] complex was isolated in moderate yields. Mechanistic studies revealed that the base-promoted isomerization of itacoperinone to citraco-perinone prevented higher yields in the synthesis of the allylic complexes. Additionally, it was observed that IP can dimerize through the exocyclic methylene group, indicating high reactivity of this carbon-carbon double bond. Electronic absorption and emission properties of the perinones and organometallic compounds were studied.