Abstract
A cluster-ligand is disclosed in the form of [Ru(3)(CN)(3)(CO)(9)](3-) ([1](3-)). Produced by simple reaction of [Ru(3)(CO)(12)] with cyanide, [1](3-) serves as a precursor to a series of μ-CN cages. When treated with [Ru(3)(CO)(12)], it readily forms the prism [Ru(6)(μ-CN)(3)(CO)(18)](3-). With 1.5 equiv of [Cu(MeCN)(4)](+) [1](3-) reacts to give the expanded prism {Cu(3)[Ru(3)(μ-CN)(3)(CO)(9)](2)}(3-), which features three two-coordinate Cu(I) centers. Sources of Ni(2+) and Fe(2+) bind two equivalents of [1](3-), giving the double cages {M[Ru(3)(μ-CN)(3)(CO)(9)](2)}(4-) (M = Ni, Fe) wherein the central metal is octahedral. The 1:1 reaction using [Fe(H(2)O)(6)](2+) gave the interpenetrated super-tetrahedrane {Fe(4)(μ(4)-O)[Ru(3)(μ-CN)(3)(CO)(9)](4)}(4-).