p-Quinquephenyl diamine, C6H5-p-C6H4-p-C6H2(2,3-NH2)-p-C6H4-C6H5, and its corresponding diimine-Ru(II) complex: Crystal structure and electrochemical and optical properties

The molecular structure of an o-phenylenediamine unit-containing oligophenylene (1), Ph-Ph′-Ph′(2,3-NH₂)-Ph′-Ph (Ph = phenyl; Ph′ = p-phenylene; Ph′(2,3-NH₂) = 2,3-diamino-p-phenylene), was determined by X-ray crystallography. 1 has a twisted structure, and forms an intermolecular C-H?π interaction network. The -NH₂ group of 1 was air-oxidized to an imine, NH, group in the presence of [RuCl₂(bpy)₂] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl) and gave a ruthenium(II)-benzoquinone diimine complex [Ru(2)(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ (2: Ph-Ph′-Ph′(2,3-imine)-Ph′-Ph). The molecular structure of [Ru(2)(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. [Ru(2)(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ underwent two-step electrochemical reduction with E^1/2 = −0.889 V and −1.531 V versus Fc⁺/Fc. The E^1/2’s were located at higher potentials by 91 mV and 117 mV, respectively, than those of reported [Ru(bqdi)(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ (bqdi = benzoquinone diimine). Electrochemical oxidation of [Ru(2)(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ occurred at a lower potential by 180 mV than that of [Ru(bqdi)(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂. Occurrence of the easier reduction and oxidation of [Ru(2)(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ than those of [Ru(bqdi)(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ is ascribed to the presence of a large π-conjugation system in 2.     

Luminescent probes for indole-binding proteins derived from ruthenium(II) polypyridine complexes

We report here the synthesis, characterisation, electrochemical, photophysical and protein-binding properties of four luminescent ruthenium(II) polypyridine indole complexes [Ru(bpy)₂(L1)](PF₆)₂ (1), [Ru(bpy)₂(L2)](PF₆)₂ (2), [Ru(L1)₃](PF₆)₂ (1a), and [Ru(L2)₃](PF₆)₂ (2a) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; L1 = 4-(N-(2-indol-3-ylethyl)amido)-4′-methyl-2,2′-bipyridine; L2 = 4-(N-(6-N-(2-indol-3-ylethyl)hexanamidyl)amido)-4′-methyl-2,2′-bipyridine). Their indole-free counterparts, [Ru(bpy)₂(L3)](PF₆)₂ (3) and [Ru(L3)₃](PF₆)₂ (3a) (L3 = 4-(N-(ethyl)amido)-4′-methyl-2,2′-bipyridine), have also been synthesised for comparison purposes. Cyclic voltammetric studies revealed ruthenium-based oxidation at ca. +1.3 V versus SCE and diimine-based reductions at ca. −1.20 to −2.28 V. The indole moieties of complexes 1, 2, 1a and 2a displayed an irreversible wave at ca. +1.1 V versus SCE. All the ruthenium(II) complexes exhibited intense and long-lived orange-red triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer ³MLCT (dπ(Ru) → π*(L1-L3)) luminescence upon visible-light irradiation in fluid solutions at 298 K and in alcohol glass at 77 K. The binding of the indole-containing complexes to bovine serum album (BSA) has been studied by quenching experiments and emission titrations.     

Ruthenium(II/III) mediated transformation of 1,2-bis(2′-pyridylmethyleneimino)benzene (L) to 2-(2′-benzimidazolyl)pyridine (L′H) and its in situ formed complexes with Ru(II): X-ray structure of trans-[Ru(PPh3)2(L′H)2](ClO4)2

A series of ruthenium (II) complexes of formulae trans-[Ru(PPh₃)₂(L′H)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Ru(bpy)(L′H)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2), [Ru(bpy)₂(L′H)](ClO₄)₂ (3), cis-[Ru(DMSO)₂(L′H)₂]Cl₂ (4), and [Ru(L′H)₃](PF₆)₂ (5) (where L′H = 2-(2′-benzimidazolyl)pyridine) have been synthesized by reaction of the appropriate ruthenium precursor with 1,2-bis(2′-pyridylmethyleneimino)benzene (L). The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic and electrochemical data. All the complexes were found to be diamagnetic and hence metal is in +2 oxidation state. The molecular structure of trans-[Ru(PPh₃)₂(L′H)₂](ClO₄)₂ has been determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The molecular structure shows that Ru(II) is at the center of inversion of an octahedron with N₄P₂ coordination sphere. The ligand acts as a bidentate N,N′donor. The electronic spectra of the complexes display intense MLCT bands in the visible region.Cyclic voltammetric studies show quasi-reversible oxidative response at 0.99-1.32 V (vs Ag/AgCl reference electrode) due to Ru(III)/Ru(II) couple.     

Quantification of cis and trans influences in [PtX(PPh3)3] complexes. A P NMR study

In [PtX(PPh₃)₃]⁺ complexes (X = F, Cl, Br, I, AcO, NO₃, NO₂, H, Me) the mutual cis and trans influences of the PPh₃ groups can be considered constants in the first place, therefore the one bond Pt-P coupling constants of P_(cis) and P_(trans) reflect the cis and trans influences of X. The compounds [PtBr(PPh₃)₃](BF₄) (2), [PtI(PPh₃)₃](BF₄) (3), [Pt(AcO)(PPh₃)₃](BF₄) (4), [Pt(NO₃)(PPh₃)₃](BF₄) (5), and the two isomers [Pt(NO₂-O)(PPh₃)₃](BF₄) (6a) and [Pt(NO₂-N)(PPh₃)₃](BF₄) (6b) have been newly synthesised and the crystal structures of 2 and 4·CH₂Cl₂·0.25C₃H₆O have been determined. From the ¹J_PtP values of all compounds we have deduced the series: I > Br > Cl > NO₃ > ONO > F > AcO > NO₂ > H > Me (cis influence) and Me > H > NO₂ > AcO > I > ONO > Br > Cl > F > NO₃ (trans influence). These sequences are like those obtained for the (neutral) cis- and trans-[PtClX(PPh₃)₂] derivatives, showing that there is no dependence on the charge of the complexes. On the contrary, the weights of both influences, relative to those of X = Cl, were found to depend on the charge and nature of the complex.     

Ruthenium polypyridyl complexes containing the bischelating ligand 2,2′-azobispyridine. Synthesis, characterization and crystal structures

Three ruthenium polypyridyl compounds of structural formula [Ru(apy)(tpy)Lⁿ⁻](ClO₄)_(2−n) (apy = 2,2′-azobispyridine; tpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine; L = Cl, H₂O, CH₃CN) (1a-c) were synthesized and crystallized. These complexes were fully characterized by means of 1D and 2D ¹H NMR spectroscopy, as well as mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Although in theory two isomers are possible, i.e. the one in which the central N atom in tpy is trans to the azo N in apy and the one in which the former is trans to the pyridine N in apy, in all cases only the latter was observed. The molecular structures of the compounds were elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Cyclometalated ruthenium(II) complexes of benzo[h]quinoline (bzqH)[Ru(bzq)(NCMe)4], [Ru(bzq)(LL)(NCMe)2], and [Ru(bzq)(LL)2] (LL = bpy, phen)

Cyclometalation of benzo[h]quinoline (bzqH) by [RuCl(μ-Cl)(η⁶-C₆H₆)]₂ in acetonitrile occurs in a similar way to that of 2-phenylpyridine (phpyH) to afford [Ru(bzq)(MeCN)₄]PF₆ (3) in 52% yield. The properties of 3 containing ‘non-flexible’ benzo[h]quinoline were compared with the corresponding [Ru(phpy)(MeCN)₄]PF₆ (1) complex with ‘flexible’ 2-phenylpyridine. The [Ru(phpy)(MeCN)₄]PF₆ complex is known to react in MeCN solvent with ‘non-flexible’ diimine 1,10-phenanthroline to form [Ru(phpy)(phen)(MeCN)₂]PF₆, being unreactive toward ‘flexible’ 2,2′-bipyridine under the same conditions. In contrast, complex 3 reacts both with phen and bpy in MeCN to form [Ru(bzq)(LL)(MeCN)₂]PF₆ {LL = bpy (4) and phen (5)}. Similar reaction of 3 in methanol results in the substitution of all four MeCN ligands to form [Ru(bzq)(LL)₂]PF₆ {LL = bpy (6) and phen (7)}. Photosolvolysis of 4 and 5 in MeOH occurs similarly to afford [Ru(bzq)(LL)(MeCN)(MeOH)]PF₆ as a major product. This contrasts with the behavior of [Ru(phpy)(LL)(MeCN)₂]PF₆, which lose one and two MeCN ligands for LL = bpy and phen, respectively. The results reported demonstrate a profound sensitivity of properties of octahedral compounds to the flexibility of cyclometalated ligand. Analogous to the 2-phenylpyridine counterparts, compounds 4-7 are involved in the electron exchange with reduced active site of glucose oxidase from Aspergillus niger. Structure of complexes 4 and 6 was confirmed by X-ray crystallography.     

Enhanced DNA photocleavage properties of Ru(II) terpyridine complexes upon incorporation of methylphenyl substituted terpyridine and/or the polyazine bridging ligand dpp (2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine)

The heteroleptic complexes, [(MePhtpy)RuCl(dpp)](PF₆) and [(tpy)RuCl(dpp)](PF₆), have been synthesized, characterized, and investigated with respect to their photophysical, redox, and DNA photocleavage properties (where MePhtpy = 4′-(4-methylphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine and dpp = 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine, tpy = 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine). The X-ray crystal structure confirms the identity of the new [(MePhtpy)RuCl(dpp)](PF₆) complex. These heteroleptic complexes were found to photocleave DNA in the presence of oxygen, unlike the previously studied complex, [Ru(tpy)₂](PF₆)₂. The photophysical, redox, and DNA photocleavage properties of the heteroleptic complexes were compared with those of the homoleptic complexes, [Ru(MePhtpy)₂](PF₆)₂ and [Ru(tpy)₂](PF₆)₂. The heteroleptic complexes showed intense metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transition at lower energy ([(MePhtpy)RuCl(dpp)](PF₆), 522 nm; [(tpy)RuCl(dpp)](PF₆), 516 nm) and longer excited state lifetimes as compared to the homoleptic complexes. The [Ru(MePhtpy)₂]²⁺ complex was found to photocleave DNA in contrast to [Ru(tpy)₂]²⁺. The introduction of a methylphenyl group on the tepyridine ligand not only enhances the ³MLCT excited state lifetime but also increases the lipophilicity and thereby the DNA binding ability of the molecule. An increase in lipophilicity upon addition of a methylphenyl group on the 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine ligand was confirmed by determination of the partition coefficient ([(MePhtpy)RuCl(dpp)](PF₆), log P = +1.16; [(tpy)RuCl(dpp)](PF₆), log P = −1.27). The heteroleptic complexes photocleave DNA more efficiently than the homoleptic complexes, with the greatest activity being observed for the newly prepared [(MePhtpy)RuCl(dpp)](PF₆) complex.     

Luminescent phosphinocrown-containing gold(I) complexes: Their syntheses, spectroscopic studies and host-guest chemistry

A series of phosphinocrown ether-containing gold(I) complexes, [Au(Ph₂P-b15c5)Cl] (1), [Au₂(μ-i-mnt)(Ph₂P-b15c5)₂] (2) and [Au₂(μ-dtc)(Ph₂P-b15c5)₂](PF₆) (3) (b15c5 = benzo-15-crown-5, i-mnt²⁻ = 1,1-dicyanoethylene-2,2-dithiolate, dtc⁻ = diethyldithiocarbamate) have been synthesized. Complexes 2 and 3 · NaPF₆ have also been structurally characterized. The emission bands at ca. 500-515 nm for 2 and 3 upon photo-excitation are tentatively assigned as derived from excited states of S → Au ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) origin. These complexes have been shown to serve as host for the specific binding of various metal cations.     

Structure and reactivity of [Ru(2,3-Medpp)2Cl2]

The structure and reactivity of the complex [Ru(2,3-Medpp)₂Cl₂](PF₆)₂ (2,3-Medpp⁺=2-[2-(1-methylpyridiniumyl)]-3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazine) was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), ¹H NMR, redox, and UV-Vis absorption measurements. X-ray analysis shows that crystals obtained from an acetonitrile-toluene solution contain the trans-Cl₂, trans-pyrazine isomeric form, while ¹H NMR and redox measurements on the main product of the synthetic workup indicate the presence of the trans-Cl₂, cis-pyrazine isomer. In the dark at 70 °C, the complex [Ru(2,3-Medpp)₂Cl₂]²⁺ reacts slowly in acetonitrile isomerizing to the cis-[Ru(2,3-Medpp)₂(CH₃CN)Cl]³⁺ species. Under ambient light in the presence of excess AgNO₃ the cis-[Ru(2,3-Medpp)₂(CH₃CN)₂]⁴⁺ species is obtained.     

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence of (bis-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) acetylacetonate complexes

The synthesis, electrochemistry, spectroscopy and electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) of five bis-bipyridine ruthenium(II) complexes containing acetylacetonate complexes are reported. More specifically, (bpy)₂Ru(BA)₂(PF₆) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; BA = benzoylacetonate), (bpy)₂Ru(TTFA)(PF₆) (TTFA =  thenoyltrifluoroacetonate), (bpy)₂Ru(TFPB)(PF₆) (TFPB = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenyl-1,3-butanedionate), (bpy)₂Ru(TFPD)(PF₆) (TFPD =  1,1,1-trifluoro-2-4-pentanedionate), and (bpy)₂Ru(DBM)(PF₆) (DBM = dibenzoylmethide) display UV-Vis, photoluminescence, electrochemical and ECL properties characteristic of ruthenium bipyridyl complexes. All complexes display absorptions in the UV and visible regions of the spectra, with visible absorptions ranging from 350 to 700 nm, typical of metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions. Photoluminescence emission maxima are also characteristic of MLCT transitions with wavelength maxima from 575 to 600 nm depending on the nature of the acetylacetonate ligand. ECL efficiencies for the complexes (?_ecl ∼ 0.013-0.051) are much lower than a standard (?_ecl = 1) with electron-withdrawing substituents resulting in lower efficiencies.     

Bis-chelated-arylazoimidazole-1,10-phenanthroline-osmium(II) complexes. Structure, spectra and electrochemistry

[Os(phen)(RaaiR′)₂](PF₆)₂ [phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, RaaiR′ = 1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole, p-R-C₆H₄-NN-C₃H₂-NN-1-R′, where R = H (a), Me (b), Cl (c) and R′ = Me (2), Et (3), CH₂Ph (4) have been synthesized from the reaction of cis-trans-cis-[OsBr₂(RaaiR′)₂] with phen in the presence of aqueous AgNO₃ in ethanol. The structure of [Os(phen)(ClaaiEt)₂](PF₆)₂ was confirmed by X-ray diffraction study. Electronic spectra exhibit a strong MLCT band at 490-512 nm along with weak transition at longer wavelength 865-880 nm. Cyclic voltammetry of the complexes shows two metal redox couples, Os(III)/Os(II) at 0.9-1.0 V and Os(IV)/Os(III) at 1.4-1.6 V versus SCE, and three successive ligand reductions. The EHMO calculation using crystallographic parameters of the complex has been compared with analogous Ru and Os complexes. A correlation between electronic properties and MO results is also reported.     

Structure and spectroelectrochemical property of a ruthenium complex containing phenanthroline-quinone, and assembly of the complexes on a gold electrode

Ruthenium complexes containing pdon (pdon = 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione) were synthesized. Their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties were examined. The molecular structure with [Ru(pdon)(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₂ ([1](ClO₄)₂) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl) was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical measurements confirm that the quinone form of [1](ClO₄)₂ is reduced to the semi-quinone state in acetonitrile (E°′ = −8 mV). Comparing the model complex, [1](ClO₄)₂, and metal-free pdon, the positive charge on two carbon atoms of the o-quinone group is bigger than that of metal-free pdon. The assemblies of the complexes were finally examined using ligand substitution.     

In vitro and in vivo biological activity screening of Ru(III) complexes involving 6-benzylaminopurine derivatives with higher pro-apoptotic activity than NAMI-A

A series of novel octahedral ruthenium(III) complexes involving 6-benzylaminopurine (L) derivatives as N-donor ligands has been prepared by the reaction of [(DMSO)₂H][trans-RuCl₄(DMSO)₂] with the corresponding L derivative. The complexes 1-12 have the general compositions trans-[RuCl₄(DMSO)(n-Cl-LH)] ⋅ xSol (1-3), trans-[RuCl₄(DMSO)(n-Br-LH)] · xSol (4-6), trans-[RuCl₄(DMSO)(n-OMe-LH)] · xSol (7-9) and trans-[RuCl₄(DMSO)(n-OH-LH)] · xSol (10-12); n = 2, 3, and 4, x = 0-1.5; and Sol = H₂O, DMSO, EtOH and/or (Me)₂CO. The complexes have been thoroughly characterized by elemental analysis, UV-visible, FTIR, Raman, and EPR spectroscopy, ES + (positive ionization electrospray) mass spectrometry, thermal analysis, cyclic voltammetry, magnetic and conductivity measurements. The X-ray molecular structure of trans-[RuCl₄(DMSO)(3-Br-LH)] ⋅ (Me)₂CO (5) revealed the distorted octahedral coordination in the vicinity of the central atom, and also confirmed that the 3-Br-L ligand is present as the N3-protonated N7-H tautomer and is coordinated to Ru(III) through the N9 atom of the purine moiety. The tested complexes have been found to be in vitro non-cytotoxic against K562, G361, HOS and MCF7 human cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ > 100 μM in contrast to the moderate results regarding the antiradical activity with IC₅₀ ≈ 10^− 3 M. On the contrary, in vivo antitumor activity screening showed that the prepared Ru(III) complexes possess higher pro-apoptotic activity than NAMI-A. The reduction of Ru(III) to Ru(II) and Ru(II)-species formation in tumor tissues was confirmed by means of a simple method of detection and visualization of intracellular Ru(II) by fluorescence microscopy. The originality of this method is based on the preparation of a Ru(II)-bipyridine complex in situ.     

Vibrational and structural mapping of [Os(bpy)3] and [Os(phen)3]

Structural changes between [Os^IIL₃]²⁺ and [Os^IIIL₃]³⁺ (L: 2,2′-bipyridine; 1,10-phenanthroline) and molecular and electronic structures of the Os^III complexes [Os^III(bpy)₃]³⁺ and [Os^III(phen)₃]³⁺ are discussed in this paper. Mid-infrared spectra in the ν(bpy) and ν(phen) ring stretching region for [Os^II(bpy)₃](PF₆)₂, [Os^III(bpy)₃](PF₆)₃, [Os^II(phen)₃](PF₆)₂, and [Os^III(phen)₃](PF₆)₃ are compared, as are X-ray crystal structures. Absorption spectra in the UV region for [Os^III(bpy)₃](PF₆)₃ and [Os^III(phen)₃](PF₆)₃ are dominated by very intense absorptions (ε = 40 000-50 000 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹) due to bpy and phen intra-ligand π → π^∗ transitions. In the visible region, relatively narrow bands with vibronic progressions of ∼1500 cm⁻¹ appear, and have been assigned to bpy or phen-based, spin-orbit coupling enhanced, ¹π → ³π^∗ electronic transitions. Also present in the visible region are ligand-to-metal charge transfer bands (LMCT) arising from π(bpy) → t_2g(Os^III) or π(phen) → t_2g(Os^III) transitions. In the near infrared, two broad absorption features appear for oxidized forms [Os^III(bpy)₃](PF₆)₃ and [Os^III(phen)₃](PF₆)₃ arising from dπ-dπ interconfigurational bands characteristic of dπ⁵Os^III. They are observed at 4580 and 5090 cm⁻¹ for [Os^III(bpy)₃](PF₆)₃ and at 4400 and 4990 cm⁻¹ for [Os^III(phen)₃](PF₆)₃. The bpy and phen infrared vibrational bands shift to higher energy upon oxidation of Os(II) to Os(III). In the cation structure in [Os^III(bpy)₃](PF₆)₃, the Os^III atom resides at a distorted octahedral site, as judged by ∠N-Os-N, which varies from 78.78(22)° to 96.61(22)°. Os-N bond lengths are also in general longer for [Os^III(bpy)₃](PF₆)₃ compared to [Os^II(bpy)₃](PF₆)₂ (0.010 Å), and for [Os^III(phen)₃](PF₆)₃ compared to [Os^II(phen)₃](PF₆)₂ (0.014 Å). Structural changes in the ligands between oxidation states are discussed as originating from a combination of dπ(Os^II) → π^∗ (bpy or phen) backbonding and charge redistribution on the ligands as calculated by natural population analysis.     

Bis(acetylacetonato)ruthenium(II) complexes containing bulky tertiary phosphines. Formation and redox behaviour of Ru(acac)2 (PR3) (R = Pr, Cy) complexes with ethene, carbon monoxide, and bridging dinitrogen

Reaction of cis-[Ru(acac)₂(η²-C₈H₁₄)₂] (1) (acac = acetylacetonato) with two equivalents of PⁱPr₃ in THF at −25 °C gives trans-[Ru(acac)₂(PⁱPr₃)₂], trans-3, which rapidly isomerizes to cis-3 at room temperature. The poorly soluble complex [Ru(acac)₂(PCy₃)₂] (4), which is isolated similarly from cis-[Ru(acac)₂(η²-C₂H₄)₂] (2) and PCy₃, appears to exist in the cis-configuration in solution according to NMR data, although an X-ray diffraction study of a single crystal shows the presence of trans-4. In benzene or toluene 2 reacts with PⁱPr₃ or PCy₃ to give exclusively cis-[Ru(acac)₂(η²-C₂H₄)(L)] [L = PⁱPr₃ (5), PCy₃ (6)], whereas in THF species believed to be either square pyramidal [Ru(acac)₂L], with apical L, or the corresponding THF adducts, can be detected by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. Complexes 3-6 react with CO (1 bar) giving trans-[Ru(acac)₂(CO)(L)] [L = PⁱPr₃ (trans-8), PCy₃ (trans-9)], which are converted irreversibly into the cis-isomers in refluxing benzene. Complex 5 scavenges traces of dinitrogen from industrial grade dihydrogen giving a bridging dinitrogen complex, cis-[{Ru(acac)₂(PⁱPr₃)} ₂(μ-N₂)] (10). The structures of cis-3, trans-4, 5, 6 and 10 · C₆H₁₄ have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes trans- and cis-3, 5, 6, cis-8, and trans- and cis-9 each show fully reversible one-electron oxidation by cyclic voltammetry in CH₂Cl₂ at −50 °C with E_1/2(Ru^3+/2+) values spanning −0.14 to +0.92 V (versus Ag/AgCl), whereas for the vinylidene complexes [Ru(acac)₂ (CCHR)(PⁱPr₃)] [R = SiMe₃ (11), Ph (12)] the process is irreversible at potentials of +0.75 and +0.62 V, respectively. The trend in potentials reflects the order of expected π-acceptor ability of the ligands: PⁱPr₃, PCy₃ <C ₂H₄ < CCHR < CO. The UV-Vis spectrum of the thermally unstable, electrogenerated Ru^III-ethene cation 6⁺ has been observed at −50 °C. Cyclic voltammetry of the μ-dinitrogen complex 10 shows two, fully reversible processes in CH₂Cl₂ at −50 °C at +0.30 and +0.90 V (versus Ag/AgCl) corresponding to the formation of 10⁺ (Ru^II,III) and 10²⁺ (Ru^III,III). The former, generated electrochemically at −50 °C, shows a band in the near IR at ca. 8900 cm⁻¹ (w_1/2 ca. 3700 cm⁻¹) consistent with the presence of a valence delocalized system. The comproportionation constant for the equilibrium 10 + 10²⁺ ? 2 10⁺ at 223 K is estimated as 10^13.6.     

Artificial photosynthesis based on dye-sensitized nanocrystalline TiO2 solar cells

A new series of amphiphilic heteroleptic ruthenium(II) sensitizers [Ru(H₂dcbpy)(dhbpy)(NCS)₂] (C1), [Ru(H₂dcbpy)(bccbpy)(NCS)₂] (C2), [Ru(H₂dcbpy)(mpubpy)(NCS)₂] (C3), [Ru(H₂dcbpy)(bhcbpy)(NCS)₂] (C4) have been synthesized and fully characterized by UV-Vis, emission, NMR and cyclic voltammetric studies (where dhbpy = 4,4′-dihexyl-2,2′-bipyridine, bccbpy = 4,4′-bis(cholesteroxycarbonyl)-2,2′-bipyridine, mpubpy = 4-methyl-4′-perfluoro-1H,1H,2H,2H,3H,3H-undecyl-2,2′-bipyridine, bhcbpy = 4,4′-Bis(hexylcarboxamido)-2,2′-bipyridine). The amphiphilic amide heteroleptic ruthenium(II) sensitizers, self-assembled on TiO₂ surface from ethanol solution, reveal efficient sensitization in the visible window range yielding ≈80% incident photon-to-current efficiencies (IPCE). Under standard AM 1.5 sunlight, the C4 sensitizer gave 15 mA/cm² short circuit photocurrent density, 0.66 fill factor and an open circuit voltage of 0.75 V, corresponding to an overall conversion efficiency of 7.4%.     

Synthesis of dimethylcobalt(III) complexes containing trimethylphosphine and 2-formyl-phenolato- or 2-formyl-enolato(O:O) ligands

Substituted salicylaldehydes [C₆HR¹R²R³(CHO)(OH)] react with CoMe₃(PMe₃)₃ to afford 6-coordinate (cis-dimethyl)(2-formyl-phenolato)trans-bis(trimethylphosphine)cobalt(III) compounds Co[C₆HR¹R²R³(CHO)(O)Me₂](PMe₃)₂ (1: R¹ = H; R² = Me; R³ = tert-Bu; 2: R¹, R² = C₆H₄; R³ = H). Accordingly, substituted enolated malonic dialdehydes (CHO-CR⁴CR⁵-OH) react with CoMe₃(PMe₃)₃ to afford 6-coordinate (cis-dimethyl)(2-formyl-enolato)trans-bis(trimethylphosphine)cobalt(III) compounds Co[(CHO-CR⁴CR⁵-O)(Me)₂](PMe₃)₂ (3: R⁴, R⁵ = (CH₂)₂C₆H₄; 4: R⁴ = R⁵ = C₆H₅). In the molecular structure of 4, the cobalt atom is centred in an octahedral coordination geometry brought about by a six-membered chelate ring (O:O-ligand), cis-dimethyl and trans-trimethylphosphine groups. A reaction mechanism is suggested.     

Structure and solution behaviour of cyclooctadiene complexes of platinum(II)

The substitution behaviour of [PtCl(R)(COD)] (R⁻ = Me and Fc) complexes, by the stepwise addition of phosphine ligands, L (L = PPh₃, PEt₃ and P(NMe₂)₃), were investigated in situ by ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. Addition of less than two equivalents of the phosphine ligand results in the formation of dimeric molecules with the general formula trans-[Pt(R)(μ-Cl)(L)]₂ for the sterically demanding systems where R⁻ = Me/L = P(NMe₂)₃ and R⁻ = Fc/L = PEt₃, PPh₃ and P(NMe₂)₃ while larger quantities resulted in cis- and trans mixtures of mononuclear complexes being formed. In the case of the relatively small steric demanding, strongly coordinating, PEt₃ ligand the trans-[PtCl(R)(PEt₃)₂] mononuclear complexes were exclusively observed in both cases. The crystal structures of the two substrates, [PtCl(R)(COD)] (R⁻ = Me or Fc), as well as the cis-[PtCl(Fc)(PPh₃)₂] substitution product are reported.     

The bimolecular sensitization of nitric oxide release from weak interacting ruthenium units

This work reports on the bimolecular sensitization of nitric oxide release from cis-[Ru(bpy)₂(iso)NO](PF₆)₃ (1) (iso = isoquinoline and bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) by irradiating the MLCT transition of the chloro analog cis-[Ru(bpy)₂(iso)Cl]PF₆ (2)_. The compounds displayed peaks in the ESI-MS spectra at m/z 749.1 and m/z 578.1 ascribed, respectively, to ([1(NO⁰)−2PF₆·CH₃OH]²⁺) and ([2−PF₆]⁺). In the cyclic voltammograms, the nitrosyl complex presented two redox waves related to the NO ligand at 0.48 and −0.37 V (versus Ag/AgCl, NO^+/0/−1 processes), while the sensitizer showed two reversible waves at 0.79 and −1.46 V (versus Ag/AgCl, Ru^2+/3+ and bpy ^0/−1, respectively). The most important feature of this system is that the nitrosyl compound does not have significant absorption in the visible region, while the sensitizer has an intense band centered at 496 nm. The irradiation of an equimolar mixture of the two compounds in an ethanol:water solution (v:v) with light of λ > 500 nm leads to NO release, as probed by amperometric measurements. The variational method was applied, showing that the two compounds self-assembly in solution with a 1:1 stoichiometry. Fluorescence spectra acquired at 77 K provided the E_0-0 for the system and, from the thermodynamic cycle it was estimated that the photoinduced electron transfer between the species has a ΔG value of −1.59 eV.     

Mixed ligand complexes of osmium(II)-2,2-bipyridine: synthesis, spectral characterization and electrochemical properties of bis-chelated-arylazoimidazole-bipyridine-osmium(II) and X-ray crystal structure of [(2,2-bipyridine)-bis-{1-methyl-2-(p-tolylazo)imidazole}osmium(II) hexafluorophosphate

Reaction of ctc-OsBr₂(RaaiR^′)₂ [RaaiR^′=1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole, p-R-C₆H₄-NN-C₃H₂-NN-1-R^′, where R=H (a), Me (b), Cl (c) and R^′=Me (2), Et (3) and CH₂Ph (4)] with 2,2^′-bipyridine (bpy) in presence of AgNO₃ in EtOH followed by the addition of NH₄PF₆ afforded a mixed ligand complex [Os(bpy)(RaaiR^′)₂](PF₆)₂. The structure of the complex, in one case [Os(bpy)(MeaaiMe)₂](PF₆)₂ · 4H₂O, has been confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The complexes are diamagnetic (low spin d⁶, s=0) and they show intense MLCT transition in the visible region (480-525 nm) and a weak transition at longer wavelength (>850 nm) in CH₃CN solution. Cyclic voltammetry of the complexes show two metal oxidation, Os(II)/Os(III) at 0.72-0.76 V and Os(III)/Os(IV) at 1.34-1.42 V and three successive ligand reductions.