The reaction between [RuCl2(PPh3)3] and 2-(diphenylphosphino)-benzenethiolate anion (DPPBT) yields the 18-electron RuII complex [Ru(DPPBT)3][HNEt3] (1), which is readily oxidised first to the neutral RuIII complex [Ru(DPPBT)3] (2), and then to the 18 electron RuIII complex [Ru(2-Ph2PC6H4S)(2-Ph2PC6H4S-OH)·(2-Ph2PC6H4SO2)]·1/2H2O (3). The x-ray crystal structure of complex (3) reveals it has a pseudo-octahedral geometry. One sulphur has been oxidised to a sulphinic acid (S-OH) group and a second to a sulphinate (SO2) group, both being ligated via sulphur. © 1992 Chapman & Hall.
