An efficient binuclear catalyst for decomposition of formic acid

The complex [Ru2(µ-CO)(CO)4(µ-dppm)2] is more active than mononuclear ruthenium complexes as a catalyst for decomposition of formic acid to CO2 and H2; under conditions of highest activity, a coordinatively unsaturated diruthenium dihydride [Ru2H(µ-H)(µ-CO)(CO)2(µ-dppm)2] is present and can be isolated from solution.