Ru-η(6) -arene cations [{(Ph2 PC6 H4 )2 B(η(6) -Ph)}RuX](+) (X=Cl, H) as Lewis acids.

The reactivity of [{(Ph2 PC6 H4 )2 B(η(6) -Ph)}RuCl][B(C6 F5 )4 ] (1) as a Lewis acid was investigated. Treatment of 1 with mono and multidentate phosphorus Lewis bases afforded the Lewis acid-base adducts with the ortho-carbon atom of the coordinated arene ring. Similar reactivity was observed upon treatment with N-heterocyclic carbenes; however, adduct formation occurred at both ortho- and para-carbon atoms of the bound arene with the para-position being favoured by increased steric demands. Interestingly treatment with isocyanides resulted in adduct formation with the B-centre of the ligand framework. The hydride-cation [{(Ph2 PC6 H4 )2 B(η(6) -Ph)}RuH] [B(C6 F5 )4 ] was prepared via reaction of 1 with silane. This species in the presence of a bulky phosphine behaves as a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) to activate H2 between the phosphorus centre and the ortho-carbon atom of the η(6) -arene ring.