This experiment will involve the synthesis of an air-stable compound, CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl. The difficulty in the preparation is the fact that the intermediate in the reaction is air sensitive.  To prepare this compound, students will use Schlenk line techniques.  Once prepared, the orange product is to be characterized by ¹H NMR and cyclic voltammetry. This experiment is modified from M. I. Bruce and N. J. Windsor, Aust. J. Chem., 30, 1977, 1601 - 4.
 

1)  Find the MSDS for the compounds used to make CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl.  The starting reagents are dicyclopentadiene, ruthenium trichloride (ruthenium(III) chloride) and triphenylphosphine.

2)  Cracking the Cp dimer

The first step in the synthesis of CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl is to crack the dicyclopentadiene dimer.  This is achieved by using the fractional distillation set up shown in the photo.  The dicyclopentadiene dimer (C₁₀H₁₂) is broken down (cracked) to the monomer C₅H₆ (Cp).  This occurs at elevated temperatures.  The column head temperature will read approx. 40^oC when the cracked Cp comes over.  Collect approximately 5 mL and discard.  Collect 12 - 15 mL of Cp to be used in the reaction. Do not allow the Cp dimer to froth up into the Vigreaux column.  The freshly cracked Cp must be used within a week, as it slowly dimerizes even at lower temperatures.  If you are not able to do both reactions in the same day, place the Cp in the explosion proof refridgerator in LSE537.

3) Preparation of CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl

While the Cp is being cracked, into a 250 mL two-neck flask, dissolve 4.2 g of PPh₃ in 100 mL of ethanol and place under N₂.  Bring the solution to reflux.  While the solution is warming to reflux, dissolve 1.0 g of RuCl₃ xH₂O in 75 mL of ethanol.  When the solution reaches reflux, add simultaneously the RuCl₃ solution and the cracked Cp.  Bring the solution back to reflux and reflux until the solution turns orange and an orange precipitate forms.  Let reflux for another 30 min before turning off the heat.  Let cool to room temperature and place the flask, with stoppers, in the explosion proof refridgerator on LSE537.  The product must be filtered, washed with ethanol and dried before characterization.  Be sure to obtain your yield.  The reaction flask must be cleaned before the next group is scheduled to do their experiment.

4) Characterization of CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl

You are to run the ¹H NMR and cyclic voltammetry of your product.

5) Cost analysis

You must detail how the compound(s) will be synthesized, including diagram(s) for the synthetic apparatus(i) needed for your experiment.  The report must include a schematic of the reactions.  This schematic must be drawn using computer software of your choice.  The report must include a cost analysis of all materials needed to do the synthesis.  You will start with a lab that has two hoods, working gas, water and air jets, and plenty of bench and drawer space.  Everything else you must purchase.

Write up
     Each person in the group must submit a separate report.  The report should include an introduction explaining how each instrument works (in theory) and what information each instrument gives about the compound.  The experimental section will outline the procedure used to crack the Cp dimer and the procedure for the preparation of the CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl.  Students should also include the manufacturer for the NMR and the cyclic voltammetry apparatus.  Include the NMR spectrum, with integration and the cyclic voltammogram with the peak potentials.  Discuss the peak assignments in the NMR of your compound.  Attach the MSDS for each compound. Include the cost analysis. This lab will be worth 50 points and is due by 5:00 pm Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2006.

CHEM4204 Experiment list