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Triruthenium dodecacarbonyl [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] is a coordination compound that consists of a triangle of ruthenium atoms, each of which is bonded to four carbon monoxide molecules. It appears as dark orange crystals that are soluble in nonpolar solvents but not in water.

Ru₃(CO)₁₂ and the similar osmium dodecacarbonyl¹ [Os₃(CO)₁₂] were to have the formulas Ru₂(CO)₉ and Os₂(CO)₉, respectively. But an extensive analysis in 1961 by Eugene E. Corey and Lawrence F. Dahl* at the University of Wisconsin (Madison) revealed the of the molecules. The authors used crystallographic and spectroscopic evidence to establish the molecular structures.

Ru₃(CO)₁₂ is synthesized via the base-catalyzed liquid-phase reaction of ruthenium trichloride² (RuCl₃) with CO. It also has been made under high CO pressure from ruthenium stearate³ dissolved in cyclohexane or from RuCl₃ and metallic zinc in ethanol.

The primary use for Ru₃(CO)₁₂ is the synthesis of other ruthenium complexes, many with CO combined with other ligands such as alkenes. Two recent patents to Tokyo Electron Ltd. (Tokyo) describe its use for making ruthenium films deposited on silicon substrates that form semiconductors.

This year, Ru₃(CO)₁₂ has also been used for an educational purpose. It, along with six other inorganic molecules with varying types of symmetry, were examples used by Donald J. Wink and collaborators at the University of Illinois Chicago to instruct students to . The activity included student-created 2-D drawings and 3-D molecular models.

Considering that CO and most ruthenium compounds are highly toxic, Ru₃(CO)₁₂ exhibits remarkably few hazards.

1. CAS Reg. No. 15696-40-9.
2. CAS Reg. No. 10049-08-8.
3. CAS Reg. No. 153728-81-5.