Alkyne Hydroamination Inhibited by Vinylidene Deactivation

Abstract

The synthesis and isolation of [Ru(Cp)(PCy2NPh2)(=C=CHPh]PF6 and [Ru(Cp*)(PCy2NCy2)(=C=CHPh)]PF6 was successfully accomplished. Use of these ruthenium vinylidene complexes for stoichiometric reactions with a variety of amines was performed. Upon reaction with alkyl amines, deprotonation of the Cβ hydrogen resulted in formation of acetylide complex [Ru(Cp*)(PCy2NPh2)(−C≡CPh)], and the species was confirmed through independent synthesis. In contrast, reaction of the less basic aryl amine aniline with [Ru(Cp)(PCy2NCy2)(=C=CHPh)]PF6 resulted in outer sphere addition to give a Fischer carbene product.