Ruthenium acetylacetonate

Description

Ruthenium acetylacetonate

Ruthenium acetylacetonate typically refers to the tris(acetylacetonato) ruthenium complex, written as Ru(acac)3. This is a coordination compound where three acetylacetonate (acac) ligands bind to ruthenium in a common oxidation state for this complex.

Common forms and formulas

• Ru(acac)3 — tris(acetylacetonato) ruthenium(III) complex
  • Chemical formula: Ru(C5H7O2)3
  • Approximate molecular weight: ~398 g/mol (not accounting for any waters of crystallization)
• Related but distinct compounds you might encounter:
  • Ru(acac)2Cl2 — a ruthenium(II) complex with two acac ligands and two chloride ligands
  • There are other Ru(acac)n species depending on oxidation state and ligands

Structure and oxidation state

• Central metal: Ruthenium(III) in Ru(acac)3
• Geometry: Generally octahedral around the Ru(III) center
• Each acac ligand is a bidentate, σ-donor chelating ligand derived from acetylacetone

Properties (overview)

• Color: Typically an orange-brown to red-brown solid
• Stability: Relatively air-stable as a solid; moisture sensitivity can vary with formulation
• Magnetic/electronic: Ru(III) is d5, so the complex is paramagnetic; properties can be probed by spectroscopic methods (e.g., UV-Vis, EPR)

Synthesis (general outline)

Ruthenium acetylacetonate is commonly prepared by reacting a ruthenium source with acetylacetone in the presence of a base to deprotonate the ligand. A typical lab approach is:

• Start from a ruthenium(III) salt such as RuCl3·xH2O
• Add acetylacetone (Hacac) and a base (for example, sodium or potassium acetate, or another suitable base)
• Heat the mixture to reflux in an organic solvent (such as ethanol or isopropanol) to promote chelation and formation of Ru(acac)3
• Isolate the product by filtration, followed by washing and drying under appropriate conditions

Notes:

• The exact stoichiometry and conditions vary by procedure; the goal is to form three acetylacetonate ligands coordinated to Ru(III) and to remove byproducts (such as salts and water).
• Handling should follow appropriate inorganic synthesis safety practices.

Uses and applications

• Precursor in synthesis: Used as a starting material to prepare other ruthenium complexes and materials.
• Catalysis: Serves as a precursor for homogeneous catalytic systems and can be employed in synthesis and transformation reactions after suitable activation.
• Materials science: Used in the preparation of ruthenium-containing nanoparticles and thin films.
• Can also be used as a reference compound for spectroscopic studies of metal–acetylacetonate chemistry.

Safety and handling

• Contains a heavy metal; handle with appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection) and work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood.
• Follow standard inorganic synthesis safety protocols for handling ruthenium compounds and organic solvents.
• Dispose of waste according to local regulations for inorganic hazardous waste.