Abstract
The oxidation of triphenylphosphine by [(tpy)(phen)RuⅣ(O)]2+ and [(bpy)(p-tert-butylpy)RuⅣ(0)]2+ (tpy is 2,2': 6',2"-terpyridine, phen is 1,10-phenanthroline, bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine, and p-tert-butylpy is para-tertbutylpyridine) in CH3CN has been studied. Experiments using 18O-labeled complex show the oxyl group transfer from [RuⅣ=O]2+ to triphenylphosphine occured quantitatively within experimental error. Kinetic data were fit to a second-order for [RuⅣ=O]2+ and [PPh3]. The initial product, [RuⅡ-OPPh3]2+, was formed as an observable intermediate and then underwent slow solvolysis. The reaction proceeded as endothermic in activation enthalpy and a decrease in activation entropy. The oxidative reactivity of four representative ruthenium mono-oxo oxidants against triphenylphosphine was compared. These systems have been utilized as electrochemical oxidative catalysts.