The synthesis and characterization of the novel cluster, Ru<SUB>4</SUB>Te<SUB>2</SUB>(CO)<SUB>12</SUB>

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