Some aspects of the coordination and catalytic chemistry of ruthenium

Among the characteristic features of the coordination chemistry of ruthenium, which are manifested by complexes containing a considerable range of ligands, are the propensities for intraand intermolecular metallation of arenes and for the formation of polyhydride complexes. Some aspects of this coordination chemistry are discussed, including the roles of ruthenium polyhydride complexes in catalytic hydrogenation. Distinctive features of such complexes include catalytic activity for the hydrogenation of arenes and of ketones.