In the title compound, [Ru3(C25H23N)(C5H5)3]·3PF6·2C3H6O], the cation is a triruthenium complex of a 9,10-dihydro­anthracene derivative. Three RuCp+ (Cp is cyclo­penta­dien­yl) groups are bonded to the three aromatic rings of the ligand. Surprisingly, the pyramidalized N atom of the heterocycle (Σ C—N—C = 329.0°) points towards the anthracenyl group, so losing its coordinative ability. There is an inter­molecular C—H⋯π inter­action involving an acetone mol­ecule and the adjacent benzyl ring of the ligand. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked via a number of C—H⋯O and C—H⋯F inter­actions and a C—H⋯π inter­action, leading to the formation of a three-dimensional supra­molecular structure. One of the Cp groups is disordered over two positions, with refined occupancies of 0.695 (14):0.305 (14). Two of the three hexa­fluoro­phospate anions are disordered, with refined occupancies of 0.630 (6):0.370 (6) and 0.771 (8):0.229 (8). One of the two solvent acetone mol­ecules is also disordered, with refined occupancies of 0.82 (2):0.18 (2).

In the title compound, C25H23N·CHCl3, the dihydro­anthracene unit is bent with a dihedral angle between the benzene rings of 57.82 (8)°. The N atom of the pyrrolidine heterocycle, which has an envelope conformation with the N atom as the flap, exhibits a pronounced pyramidalization [Σ(C—N—C) = 328.07°], indicating an accentuated N-donor character. In the crystal, this behaviour is evident by the C—H⋯N hydrogen bond involving a solvent mol­ecule and the N atom. The absolute configuration at the C-atom fused positions of the pyrrolidine group were crystallographically confirmed to be S and R.

Two original complexes featuring an (amino)(phosphino)carbene η2-bonded to the metal have been obtained in 60 and 80 % yields, by addition of the corresponding stable carbene to PdCl2(cod) and NiCl2(PPh3)2, respectively. Both complexes have been fully characterized including X-ray diffraction studies. The catalytic activity of the palladium complex has been evaluated for aryl amination reactions.