Convenient Synthesis of [(η5-C5Me5)Ru(NCMe)3]PF6 and the Phosphine Derivatives [(η5-C5Me5)Ru(PR3)2(NCMe)]PF6

A convenient, high-yield (91%) synthesis of [(η5-C5Me5)Ru(NCMe)3]PF6 (4−PF6) by zinc reduction of [(η5-C5Me5)RuCl2]n (1) in acetonitrile solution is described. Two acetonitrile ligands of 4−PF6 are readily exchanged for either PMe3 or the chelating diphosphines bis(dimethylphosphino)methane, (2S,3S)-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane, or (2S,4S)-bis(diphenylphosphino)pentane. The remaining nitrile ligand is still labile, allowing easy access to a number of substitution products [(η5-C5Me5)Ru(PR3)2(L)].