Synthesis, structural characterization and computational studies of half- sandwich Ru(II) (η6-p–cymene) TPA appended benzhydrazone complex

A ruthenium complex of the type Ru[η⁶(p–cymene)Cl(L)] where L = Triphenylamine (TPA) appended O^N bidendate benzhydrazone ligand was synthesized and characterized by various analytical and spectral [UV, FT-IR, NMR (¹H and ¹³C) and HRMS] methods. The solid state molecular structure of the ruthenium complex was investigated with the aid of X-ray crystallography results with pseudo-octahedral geometry around the metal centre. FT-IR spectroscopy confirms the coordination via the azomethine nitrogen and imidolate oxygen. Density Functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to analyse the composition of frontiers orbitals. The bonding interactions between the ligand and ruthenium complex fragments have been examined by EDA. The spin-allowed singlet transitions were calculated with the TD-DFT method. NBO analysis shows that the donation from ligand to metal has value of 136.64 kcal/mol and the back donation is equal to 109.61 kcal/mol. Hence the ligand is a σ-donor with weak π-acceptor properties. The DOS spectrum of both ligand and complex were plotted in terms of Mullikan population analysis were calculated using the GassSum program. Further, the relative contributions to the Hirshfeld surface area for the various close intermolecular contacts of ruthenium complex are investigated and H…H interactions plays an important role for the construction of the crystal structure of the ruthenium complex.