Interconversion between (3,1) and (4,0) Isomers of Ru2(L)4X complexes where L is 2-anilinopyridinate or 2-(2,4,6-trifluoroanilino)pyridinate anion and X = Cl- or C[triple bond]CC5H4N-.

A reaction between the (4,0) isomer of Ru 2(ap) 4Cl and LiC[triple bond]CC5H4N leads to a (3,1) isomer of Ru 2(ap) 4(C[triple bond]CC5H4N) 2 1 (ap = anilinopyridinate anion), whereas a reaction involving the (3,1) isomer of Ru 2(F 3ap) 4Cl and TBACl.H 2O leads to (4,0) Ru 2(F 3ap) 4Cl 2 (F 3ap = 2-(2,4,6-trifluoroanilino)pyridinate anion). To our knowledge, these are the first documented examples for isomeric conversion involving diruthenium compounds with tetracarboxylate-type structures.