Synthetic methods for key precursors of biologically active dimethylsulfoxide ruthenium complexes

Microwave- and sonication-assisted methods provide efficient synthesis of octahedral Ru(II) and Ru(III) S- and O-bound dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) complexes, precursors to anticancer, antimicrobial and anti-neurodegenerative drugs, in comparison with conventional hotplate (thermal) synthesis. In addition, sonication led to a novel O-bound DMSO oxo-bridged di-Ru(IV) complex, for which the X-ray structure, solvolysis, reduction by ferrocene, and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations are reported.