Functionalised η6-arene ruthenium complexes

eta(6)-Arene ruthenium complexes have been known for more than 30 years, and their chemistry has been extensively studied for Unfunctionalised arenes such as benzene, para-cymene and hexamethylbenzene. However, little is known about eta(6)-arene ruthenium complexes in which the arene ligand is not merely an aromatic hydrocarbon but contains chemical functions as substituents. This review gives an overview of functionalised eta(6)-arene ruthenium complexes, their syntheses and structures, as well as their intrinsic potential ranging from biological applications to applications as nano-materials. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.