Ru3(CO)9(mu3-eta2,eta2,eta2-C60): a cluster face-capping arene-like complex of C60

A hexahapto C60 complex, Ru3-(CO)9(C60), was prepared by heating a mixture of C60 and Ru3(CO)12 in n-hexane under reflux. The compound was then characterized via single-crystal x-ray diffraction at 195 K. Consequently, it was found that the C60 exhibits arene-like coordination to the open face of a ruthenium cluster with the Ru3 triangle located centrally over a six-carbon ring in the fullerene system.