The synthesis and characterisation of the novel cluster, Ru₄Te₂(CO)₁₂

Reflux of solution of Fe₃Te₂(CO)₉ and Ru₃(CO)₁₂ in benzene yields the cluster, Ru₄Te₂(CO)₁₂, which is the first example of a tetraruthenium cluster containing tellurium ligands. The cluster has been characterised by infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and microanalysis. The transmetallation reaction leading to the formation of Ru₄Te₂(CO)₁₂ is similar to that yielding the related molecule Co₄Te₂(CO)₁₁ from the reaction of Fe₃Te₂(CO)₉ and Co₂(CO)₈. The Ru₄Te₂(CO)₁₂ cluster may be compared to the pentaruthenium cluster Ru₅S(CO)₁₅ if it is visualised as Ru₅S(CO)₁₅ with the sulfido and the Ru(CO)₃ trans to it replaced by tellurium ligands.