This compound exists as a dark red solid that is soluble in most organic solvents.

[4] Since then, alternative synthetic routes have been examined, but the original procedure remains useful with minor variations:[5] This compound has idealized D3 symmetry.

[1] Because Ru(acac)3 is low spin, there is one unpaired d electron, causing this compound to be paramagnetic.

[7] Reduction of Ru(acac)3 in the presence of alkenes affords the related diolefin complexes.

Typically, such reactions are conducted with zinc amalgam in moist tetrahydrofuran:[8] The resulting compounds are rare examples of metal-alkene complexes that reversibly sustain oxidation: The complex has been resolved into individual enantiomers by separation of its adduct with dibenzoyltartaric acid.