Readily synthesis of a series of RuCl2(xantphos) L (L = PPh3, P(OPh)(3), DMSO) was achieved. Thus, RuCl2(xantphos) PPh3 was synthesised by the reaction of RuCl2(PPh3)(3) with xantphos. PPh3 in this complex is easily exchanged with P(OPh)(3) and Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) to give RuCl2(xantphos) P(OPh)(3)} and RuCl2(xantphos)(DMSO), respectively. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.