The reaction between RuBr3.xH2O and benzaldehyde oxime in aqueous 6 M HBr results in facile metal-assisted dehydration of the oxime and concomitant partial reduction of ruthenium(III) to produce the mixed-valence ruthenium(III)-ruthenium(II) compound [RuBr(N#CPh)5][RuBr4(N#CPh)2]. This ionic complex has been structurally characterized as the monobenzyl alcohol solvate, [RuBr(N#CPh)5][RuBr4(N#CPh)2].PhCH2OH.
