Unsolvated ruthenium(II) benzene dichloride: a structural comparison with the chloroform solvate

Abstract

The crystal structure of the unsolvated ruthenium(II) benzene dichloride, [RuCl2(η 6-C6H6)]2, has been determined by X-ray crystallography. The title complex shows features unique among the series of [RuCl2(η 6-arene)]2 compounds, such as non-parallel alignment of the benzene rings and non-planarity of the central tetranuclear core comprised of two ruthenium atoms and two bridging chlorides. A detailed structural comparison with the previously reported solvated analogue revealed a similarity in the bonding distances but differences in bonding angles and packing arrangements.