Abstract: Interaction of RuCl₂(DMSO)₄ with one equivalent of N,N’-bis[o-(diphenylpho-sphino)benzylidene]-1,2-propanediamine[P₂N₂Me] or N,N’-bis[o-(diphenylphosphino)benzyl]-1,2-propanediamine[P₂N₂H₄Me] in refluxing toluene gave trans-RuCl₂(P₂N₂Me)and trans RuCl₂(P₂N₂H₄Me)in moderate yield, respectively. The complexes have been fully cha racterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. The structure of trans-RuCl₂(P₂N₂Me)has been established by an X-ray diffraction study and the result indicates a distorted octahedral configuration. The complexes were found to be an effective catalyst for hydrogen transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone. The catalytical cycle mechanism is also discussed.

Key words: aminophosphine ligand, ruthenium complex, hydrogen transfer hydrogenation, acetophenone