Structure and electronic properties of a μ-oxo ruthenium bromide

The crystal structure of potassium μ-oxo-bis[pentabromoruthenate] K4Ru2OBr10, determined from synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction, is described. Each Ru atom is surrounded by five Br atoms and one O atom. Magnetic measurements show the complex to be diamagnetic as a result of strong Ru–Ru interactions facilitated by the linear Ru–O–Ru linkage. The crystal structure of potassium μ-oxo-bis[pentabromoruthenate] K4Ru2OBr10, determined from synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction, is described. [Display omitted] •Structure of K4Ru2OBr10 determined using high resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction methods.•The compound is diamagnetic with a linear Ru–O–Ru linkage.•UV–Vis and Raman spectra described.