2-ylidene) with HC⋮ CR (R= COOMe, COOEt, COMe) yields the allyl carbene complexes
[RuCp (C (R)-η3-CHC (R) CH− IPr i)] PF6. This conversion involves selective head-to-tail
coupling of two alkynes and an unusual migratory insertion of the N-heterocyclic carbene
into the ruthenium− carbon double bond of a ruthenacyclopentatriene intermediate.