Synthesis of ruthenium complexes and their catalytic applications: A review

Abstract

Ruthenium complexes are an important class that has multiple catalytic and biological applications. Ruthenium has a remarkably broad and diversified chemical spectrum. In the emerging fields of catalysis, such as homogeneous, heterogeneous, and photo catalysis, ruthenium complexes are being studied. Moreover, Ruthenium complexes can be used in the development of efficient chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer, even though some of them are in the final stage of clinical trials. This review covers the synthesis of the pincer, Shiff base, phosphine, N-heterocyclic carbenes, cycloruthenated, and half sandwiched ruthenium complexes and their potential catalytic and biological applications reported in the last 15 years.