The first water-soluble tetraphosphorus ruthenium complex. Synthesis, characterization and kinetic study of its hydrolysis

Reaction of the water-soluble complex [CpRu(TPPMS)(2)Cl] (1) [TPPMS sodium salt of m-monosulfonated triphenylphosphine, Ph2P(m-C6H4SO3Na)] with 1 equiv of white phosphorus in the presence of TlPF6 or AgBF4 as chloride scavengers, yielded the stable hydrosoluble complexes [CpRu(TPPMS)(2)(eta(1)-P-4)]X (2) (X = PF6, BF4). Addition of water to DMF solutions of 2 causes hydrolysis ovf coordinated P-4 giving as main products complexes [CpRu(TPPMS)(2)(PH3)]X (3) (X = PF6, BF4) together with hydrogen and phosphorous acid, H3PO3. The new complexes have been characterized by H-1 and P-31 NMR spectroscopy in solution. Kinetic data and activation parameters of the hydrolysis process are reported.