Synthesis of [RuCl(2)(dppb)(PPH(3))] and identification of the cis- and trans-[RuCl(2)(dppb)(phen)] geometrical isomers via (31)P{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy: An

An experiment is presented that demonstrates the ability of 31P[1H] NMR to distinguish between cis and trans geometric isomers of coordination compounds in solution, describes the concept of spin-spin coupling for P atoms by assigning signals to equivalent and nonequivalent P atoms and offers an introduction to synthesis and in situ NMR work requiring semirigorous, inert atmosphere conditions.