CO-loss and geometric isomerization in the frozen matrix photochemistry of cis-Fe(CO)4X2, where X = Br and I, cis-[Et4N][Mn(CO)4Br2], cis-Mn(CO)4(PBu3)Br, and Mn(CO)3(PBu3)2Br

Photolysis of cis-Fe(CO)₄X₂, where X = Br and I, results in low energy, facile rearrangement to the trans isomer with no evidence of CO-loss. In contrast, the isoelectronic cis-Mn(CO)₄Br₂ anion exhibits CO-loss upon photolysis with only weak evidence for the trans isomer. The photolysis of Mn(CO)₅Br, Mn(CO)₄Br(PBu₃) and Mn(CO)₃Br(PBu₃)₂ have also been examined in frozen matrices.     

Tetrazole and triazole carbene complexes of group 6 metal carbonyls

In order to study the relative stability of cis- and trans-isomers of bis(NHC)tetracarbonyl complexes of group 6 metals, we synthesized the corresponding complexes with triazolin- and tetrazolinylidene ligands. By reaction of the free carbene (L = 1,3,4-triphenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazolin-5-ylidene) - first synthesized by Enders - with the hexacarbonyls of Cr, Mo and W the corresponding M(L)(CO)₅ complexes are generated. Depending on an excess of carbene also the cis-(L)₂Mo(CO)₄ complex was obtained. The latter can be photolytically converted to the trans-(L)₂Mo(CO)₄ complex. The corresponding complexes with the 1,4-dimethyltetrazolin-5-ylidene ligand (L′), Cr(L′)(CO)₅, cis-(L′)₂Cr(CO)₄ and trans-(L′)₂Cr(CO)₄ can be obtained by reaction of hexacarbonyl-μ-trihydroxy-dichromate with dimethyltetrazolium salt. In the cis-(L′)₂Cr(CO)₄ complex, one carbonyl ligand can be replaced by donor ligands such as pyridine or phenylisocyanide to form sym-mer-tricarbonyl complexes. All new complexes are fully characterized by spectroscopy and most by single-crystal X-ray analysis.     

Donor-substituted allenylidene(carbonyl)(XR3)chromium complexes (X=P, As, Sb) - synthesis and properties

Photolysis of the allenylidene pentacarbonyl chromium complexes [(CO)₅CrCCC(R¹)R²] (R¹=NMe₂, NPh₂; R²=NMe₂, OMe, Ph) in THF in the presence of equimolar amounts of XR₃ (XR₃=various phosphanes, P(OMe)₃, AsPh₃, SbPh₃) affords cis-allenylidene tetracarbonyl XR₃ complexes, cis-[(CO)₄(XR₃)CrCCC(R¹)R²]. When in the photolysis of [(CO)₅CrCCC(NMe₂)Ph], the phosphanes PR₃ (R=C₆H₄F-p, C₆H₄Cl-p, OMe) are used in excess (three equivalents) two carbonyl ligands are displaced and the mer-tricarbonyl complexes mer-[(CO)₃(PR₃)₂CrCCC(NMe₂)Ph] are formed both PR₃ ligands being mutually trans. The structure of the new complexes is established by IR, NMR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, that of cis-[(CO)₄(PPh₃)CrCCC(NMe₂)Ph] additionally by an X-ray structural analysis. As indicated by the spectroscopic data of the compounds, these complexes are best described as hybrids of allenylidene and zwitterionic alkynyl complexes with delocalization of the electron pair at nitrogen bonded to the C_γ atom of the allenylidene ligand towards the metal center. The relative contribution of the allenylidene and zwitterionic alkynyl resonance forms is influenced by XR₃. Increasing the donor properties of XR₃ favors the allenylidene resonance form.     

Photochemical reactions of bis(bistrimethylsilylamido)tin(II) with; Hexacarbonylmolybdenum and tungsten

Irradiation of M(CO)₆ (M = Mo. W) and Sn[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ in hexane with UV light results in carbonyl substitution to form both M(CO)₅Sn[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ and M(CO)₄Sn[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂)₂ complexes. The M(CO)₄L₂ species present the first examples in which both cis and trans isomers have been observed upon substitution of bulky divalent main group IV ligands. The highly air-sensitive W(CO)₅L and W(CO)₄L₂ complexes have been isolated.     

Metal chelates with biological activity. Part 4. Solution properties of iron(III)-histidinehydroxamic acid

Reactions of carbon monoxide with iron(II) diethyldithiocarbamate and iron(II) ethylxanthate were followed using solution IR spectroscopy. In DMF and CH₃CN solutions, the only Fe—dithiocarbamate—carbon monoxide complex observed was cis-[Fe(CO)₂(dedtc)₂]. This complex formed rapidly and appeared to be very stable, resisting displacement of the coordinated CO molecules by other ligands. Fe(exa)₂ showed very little coordination of CO in DMF solution, but in CH₃CN solution formed the complex cis-[Fe(CO)₂(exa)₂] rapidly via the monocarbonyl intermediate [Fe(CO)(exa)₂CH₃CN]. In CHCl₃ solution, in the presence of CO and added bases, a series of complexes, [Fe(CO)(exa)₂L], where L = pyridine, pyrrolidine, diethylamine and triphenylphosphine, was formed. However, with the exception of [Fe(CO)(exa)₂(ø₃P)], these monocarbonyl complexes were unstable with respect to disproportionation to cis-[Fe(CO)₂(exa)₂] and [Fe(exa)₂L₂]. No mixed-ligand monocarbonyl complexes were observed with Fe(dedtc)₂.     

Synthesis and reactivity of cationic bipyridine tungsten(0) and molybdenum(0) nitrosyl complexes

A variety of Group 6 mono bipyridine (bpy) complexes were prepared, and substitution reactions of [(bpy)(MeIm)M(CO)₂(NO)]PF₆ complexes (MeIm = 1-methylimidazole, M = W or Mo) were investigated. Nitrosylation of complexes having the general formula (bpy)(L)M(CO)₃ (L = a variable ligand) gave cationic complexes of the form [(bpy)(L)M(CO)₂(NO)]PF₆. The structure of [(bpy)(MeIm)W(CO)₂(NO)]PF₆ was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry. [(bpy)(MeIm)M(CO)₂(NO)]PF₆ complexes undergo facile substitutions with mono-, tri- and tetra-dentate ligands, yielding di- or mono-carbonyl mononitrosyl complexes. The structures of [(bpy)(PMe₃)₂W(CO)(NO)]PF₆ and [(dien)(PMe₃)W(CO)(NO)]PF₆ (dien = diethylenetriamine) were determined by X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis,characterization and study of the PtPt interaction in cis-[(aa)(bb)FCrNCPt(CN)3] (aa,bb=bidentate amine)

Two new dinuclear μ-cyano complexes, cis-[(en)(tn)FCrNCPt(CN)₃] and cis-[(chxn)(tn)FCrNCPt(CN)₃] en=ethylenediamine, tn=1,3-diaminepropane and chxn=1,2-cyclohexanediamine) have been obtained by solid state heating of the trans[Cr(aa)(bb)F(H₂O)][Pt(CN)₄] salts. These complexes have been characterized by chemical analysis, electronic and IR spectra. The dinuclear complexes show strong PtPt interaction both in the solid state and in solution. The association constant of the oligomers formed has been calculated and correlated with the size of the amine ligands. An orbital explanation is proposed to account for the enhancement of the PtPt interaction in the dinuclear complexes relative to the complex salts.     

Competitive ligation between carbon monoxide and propiononitrile in chloro-complexes of platinum(II)

EtCN partially displaces coordinated carbon monoxide from cis-PtCl₂(CO)₂ giving an equilibrium mixture of the two geometrical isomers of PtCl₂(CO)(NCEt), together with unreacted cis-PtCl₂(CO)₂, as monitored by IR and NMR measurements. The equilibrium has also been studied starting from PtCl₂(NCEt)₂, through displacement of coordinated EtCN by CO. The equilibrium constant of the reaction between PtCl₂(CO)(NCEt) [cis + trans] and CO to produce cis-PtCl₂(CO)₂ (48 ± 6, corresponding to ΔG⁰ = −9.5 ± 0.3 kJ mol⁻¹) has been measured at 23.4 °C, in the presence of SnCl₂ as catalyst, the uncatalysed reaction being exceedingly slow. With an appropriate control of the CO partial pressure, PtCl₂(CO)(NCEt) was obtained in a nearly quantitative yield either from cis-PtCl₂(CO)₂ + EtCN or from PtCl₂(NCEt)₂ + CO. The molecular and crystal structure of cis-PtCl₂(CO)(NCEt) has been solved by X-ray diffractometry.     

Quantifying the electronic cis effect of phosphine, arsine and stibine ligands by use of rhodium(I) Vaska-type complexes

The cis effects of phosphine, arsine and stibine ligands have been evaluated by measuring the IR stretching frequency in dichloromethane of the carbonyl ligand in a series of Rh(I) Vaska-type complexes, trans-[RhCl(CO)(L)₂]. These data were correlated with those obtained by Tolman for the electronic trans influences in the [Ni(L)(CO)₃] complexes. The electronic contribution, χ_Fc, of ferrocenyl was determined as 0.8 from these plots by evaluating PPh₂Fc as ligand. In order to accommodate arsine and stibine ligands an additional correction term, to compensate for differences in the donor atom, was added to Tolman’s equation for calculation of the Tolman electronic parameter of phosphine ligands. In the resulting equation: ν(CO_Ni)=2056.1+∑_i=1³χ_i+C_L values for C_L of C_P=0, C_As=−1.5 and C_Sb=−3.1 are suggested for phosphine, arsine and stibine ligands, respectively. The crystal and molecular structures of trans-[RhCl(CO)(PPh₂Fc)₂] · 2C₆H₆, trans-[RhCl(CO){P(NMe₂)₃}₂] and trans-[RhCl(CO)(AsPh₃)₂] are reported. The Tolman cone angles for PPh₂Fc and P(NMe₂)₃ were determined as 169° and 166°, while the effective cone angles for PPh₂Fc, P(NMe₂)₃ and AsPh₃ were determined as 171°, 168° and 147°, respectively.     

Synthesis and characterization of ruthenium(II) complexes bearing the bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine ligand

The reaction of [Ru(CO)₂Cl₂]_n with bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (bpma) in refluxing ethanol followed by anion exchange yields two products: cis,fac-[Ru(bpma)(CO)₂Cl]PF₆ (1a, 71%) and trans,fac-[Ru(bpma)(CO)₂Cl]PF₆ (1b, 29%). Reaction of 1a with AgBF₄ in acetone, followed by acetonitrile and then anion exchange gave cis,fac-[Ru(bpma)(CO)₂(CH₃CN)](PF₆)₂ (2a). In the same way, 1b afforded trans,fac-[Ru(bpma)(CO)₂(CH₃CN)](PF₆)₂ (2b). Reaction of depolymerized [Ru(CO)₂Cl₂]_n with bpma in ethanol at room temperature afforded cis,cis-[Ru(η²-bpma)(CO)₂Cl₂] (3). In refluxing ethanol, 3 was converted to cis,fac-[Ru(bpma)(CO)₂Cl]Cl (1a-Cl). Heating 3 in chlorobenzene afforded 1b-Cl, exclusively; heating 3 in ethylene glycol gave mainly 1a-Cl. Heating 1a-Cl in ethanol resulted in no isomerization, but heating in chlorobenzene gave a mixture of 3 and 1b-Cl. Anion exchange for PF₆ with 1a-Cl and 1b-Cl afforded 1a and 1b, respectively, whereas anion exchange for BPh₄ afforded 1a-BPh₄. Compounds 1a, 1b, 2a and 3 have been structurally characterized.     

New acylhydridorhodium(III) complexes containing terdentate PNN ligands from the reaction of diolefinic rhodium(I) complexes with o-(diphenylphosphino)benzaldehyde in the presence of chelating amino ligands

[{Rh(cod)Cl}₂] (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene) reacts with o-(diphenylphosphino)benzaldehyde (PPh₂(o-C₆H₄CHO)) (Rh:P=1:1) in the presence of aromatic diamines or 8-aminoquinoline (NN) to give acylhydride [Rh(Cl)(H){PPh₂(o-C₆H₄CO)}(NN)] species. The oxidative addition of PPh₂(o-C₆H₄CHO) in the presence of (NN) and PPh₃ gives cationic species [Rh(H){PPh₂(o-C₆H₄CO)} (PPh₃)(NN)]⁺ containing mutually trans phosphorus atoms. When (NN)=8-aminoquinoline, a mixture of two isomers is obtained. These isomers differ in the nitrogen cis to the hydride, amino or quinolinic. By using Rh:PPh₂(o-C₆H₄CHO)=1:2 stoichiometric ratios, oxidative addition of one PPh₂(o-C₆H₄CHO) and P-coordination of another PPh₂(o-C₆H₄CHO) occurs. The aldehyde group undergoes then a condensation reaction with the coordinated amine to afford new PNN terdentate ligands, phosphine-amino-imine when (NN)=diamine or phosphine-diimine when (NN)=8-aminoquinoline. These reactions give selectively the corresponding complexes [Rh(H){PPh₂(o-C₆H₄CO)}(PNN)]⁺ containing trans phosphorus atoms and the hydride cis to the new imino group. X-ray diffraction studies of the PNN complexes are reported.     

Modulation of trans-to-cis photoisomerization and photoluminescence of 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene or 4-styrylpyridine coordinated to fac-tricarbonyl(5-chloro-1,10-phenathroline)rhenium(I)

Photochemical and photophysical properties of fac-[Re(CO)₃(Clphen)(trans-L)]⁺ complexes, Clphen = 5-chloro-1,10-phenathroline and L = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene, bpe, or 4-styrylpyridine, stpy, were investigated to complement the understanding of intramolecular energy transfer process in tricarbonyl rhenium(I) complexes having an electron withdrawing group attached to polypyridyl ligands. These new compounds were synthesized, characterized and the photoisomerization quantum yields were accurately determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The true quantum yields for fac-[Re(CO)₃(Clphen)(trans-bpe)]⁺ were constant (Φ = 0.55) at all investigated irradiation wavelengths. However, for fac-[Re(CO)₃(Clphen)(trans-stpy)]⁺, similar true quantum yields were observed only at higher energy irradiation (Φ_{313 nm} = 0.53 and Φ_{365 nm} = 0.57), but it decreased significantly at 404 nm (Φ = 0.41). These results indicated different deactivation pathways for the trans-stpy complex photoisomerization. Quantum yields decreased as the ³IL_trans-L and ³MLCT_Re→NN excited states become closer and the behavior was discussed in terms of the excited state energy gaps. Additionally, luminescence properties of photoproducts, fac-[Re(CO)₃(Clphen)(cis-L)]⁺, were also investigated in different environments to analyze the relative energy of the ³MLCT_Re→Clphen excited state for each compound.     

Squarate complexes of diamine palladium(II) and platinum(II)

Reactions of cis-diaminediaqua palladium and platinum dinitrates and of trans-diaminediaqua platinum dinitrate give complexes of the type Pd(tmeda)(OH)(C₄O₄)Pd(tmeda)(C₄O₄H) (tmeda = tetramethylethylenediamine) (1), (en)M(C₄O₄)₂M(en) (en = ethylenediamine (M = Pd, Pt) and trans-[Pt- (NH₃)₂C₄O₄]_n, respectively. The structures of these compounds are discussed on the basis of their spectroscopic data.     

Novel p-tolylimido rhenium(V) complexes incorporating quinoline-2-carboxylate ion - Synthesis, X-ray studies, spectroscopic characterization and DFT calculations

Novel p-tolylimido rhenium(V) complexes trans-[Re(p-NC₆H₄CH₃)X₂(quin-2-COO)(PPh₃)] and cis-[Re(p-NC₆H₄CH₃)X₂(quin-2-COO)(PPh₃)]·MeCN have been obtained in the reactions of [Re(p-NC₆H₄CH₃)X₃(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, Br) with quinoline-2-carboxylic acid. The compounds were identified by elemental analysis IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The electronic structures of trans- and cis-halide isomers of [Re(p-NC₆H₄CH₃)Cl₂(quin-2-COO)(PPh₃)] have been calculated with the density functional theory (DFT) method. Additional information about binding in the compounds [Re(p-NC₆H₄CH₃)Cl₂(quin-2-COO)(PPh₃)] with cis- and trans-halide arrangement has been obtained by NBO analysis. The electronic spectra of trans and cis isomers of [Re(p-NC₆H₄CH₃)Cl₂(quin-2-COO)(PPh₃)] were investigated at the TDDFT level employing B3LYP functional in combination with LANL2DZ.     

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.     

Synthesis and characterization of heteroscorpionate dioxo-tungsten(VI) complexes

Twelve new dioxo W(VI) complexes of a family of heteroscorpionate ligands of the type [(L)WO₂Y], where L = N₂X ligand and Y = Cl or OR, have been synthesized and characterized. With the more sterically bulky ligands we show that these complexes exist as isolable cis and trans isomers and compare the rate of such isomerization with their corresponding dioxo Mo(VI) analogs.     

Study of Pt(II)-cyclic amines complexes of the types cis- and trans-Pt(amine)2I2 and cis- and trans-Pt(amine)2(NO3)2 and their aqueous products by

Complexes of the types cis- and trans-Pt(amine)₂I₂ containing cyclic amines were synthesized and studied mainly by IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopies. The compounds were converted to cis- and trans-Pt(amine)₂(NO₃)₂, which were also investigated. The hydrolysis and the aquation reactions of the latter compounds were then studied in D₂O in different conditions of pH. In acidic medium, the aqueous product is [Pt(amine)₂(D₂O)₂]²⁺ and for a few amines, [Pt(amine)₂(D₂O)(NO₃)]⁺ was detected. In basic pH, the main product is Pt(amine)₂(OD)₂ and Pt(amine)₂(OD)(NO₃) was detected for several compounds. In neutral pH, the cis isomers form between two and four species in fresh solutions. The most shielded species in ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR is the monoaqua-monohydroxo complex cis-[Pt(amine)₂(D₂O)(OD)]⁺ and the less shielded compound is the dihydroxo-bridged dimer [Pt(amine)₂(μ-OD)₂Pt(amine)₂]²⁺, which were observed for all the compounds. For a few amines, the monohydroxo-bridged dimer [Pt(D₂O)(amine)₂(μ-OD)Pt(OD)(amine)₂]²⁺ was detected and for cyclohexylamine, a fourth signal was assigned to a cyclic hydroxo-bridged trimer [(Pt(amine)₂(μ-OD))₃]³⁺. ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spectroscopy has shown that the concentration of the monomer decreases with time, while the concentration of the dimers increases. Only one product was observed for the trans isomers in neutral pH. The signal was assigned to the monoaqua-monohydroxo species trans-[Pt(amine)₂(D₂O)(OD)]⁺. The ¹³C and ¹H NMR spectra of most of the complexes were measured. All the coupling constants ^2,3J(¹⁹⁵Pt-¹H) and ^2,3J(¹⁹⁵Pt-¹³C) are larger in the cis compounds than in the trans isomers.     

Reactions of phosphine-nitrile ligands: the formation of phosphine-amine and phosphine-imidate complexes of tungsten carbonyl from 3(diphenylphosphino)propionitrile and 3(diphenylphosphino)2-methylpropionitrile

Reactions of W(CO)₆ and NaBH₄ with the phosphine-nitrile ligands Ph₂PCH₂CH₂CN or Ph₂PCH₂CH(CH₃)CN in hot ethanol or propanol for limited reaction times provide mixtures of the corresponding phosphine-imidate and phosphine-amine complexes of the stoichiometry (CO)₄WL. Longer reaction times provide, in high yield, only the phosphine-amine complexes. Proton-decoupled carbon-13 NMR data from (CO)₄W[Ph₂PCH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂NH₂] are consistent with a locked, six-membered chelate ring in which the methyl group occupies an equatorial position. The NH and NH₂ donor groups in the W(CO)₄L complexes are displaced upon reaction with PhP(CH₃)₂ providing mixtures of cis and trans (CO)₄WLL′ complexes.     

Computational study on the mechanisms of action of the potential anticancer drug trans-isopropylaminedimethylaminedichloroplatinum (trans-IPADMADP) and its cis isomer with DNA purine bases

The monofunctional and bifunctional bindings of the potential anticancer drug trans-isopropylaminedimethylaminedichloroplatinum (trans-IPADMADP) and its cis isomer to purine base in DNA are explored by using density functional theory and IEF-PCM solvation models. The computed lowest free energy barrier in the aqueous solution is 14.0/11.6 kcal/mol (from trans-Pt-chloroaqua complex to trans-/cis-monoadduct) for guanine(G), and 11.7/13.3 kcal/mol (from trans-Pt-chloroaqua complex to trans-/cis-monoadduct) for adenine(A). Our calculations demonstrate that the trans reactant complexes (or isolated reactants) can generate trans- or cis-monoadducts via similar trigonal bipyramidal transition state structures, suggesting that the monoadducts can subsequently close to form the bifunctional intrastrand Pt-DNA adducts and simultaneously distort DNA in the similar way as cisplatin. Our calculations show that Pt(isopropylamine)(dimethylamine)G₂²⁺ head-to-head path has the lowest free energy of activation at 17.6 kcal/mol, closely followed by the Pt(isopropylamine)(dimethylamine)GA²⁺ head-to-head path at 19.6 kcal/mol when the monofunctional cis-Pt-G complex serves as the reactant; while the Pt(isopropylamine)(dimethylamine)G₂²⁺ head-to-tail adduct has the lowest barrier of 20.5 kcal/mol, closely followed by the Pt(isopropylamine)(dimethylamine)GA²⁺ head-to-tail adduct at 23.0 kcal/mol if the monofunctional trans-Pt-G complex is the reactant.The calculated relatively lower activation energy barrier than that of cisplatin theoretically confirm that trans-[PtCl₂(isopropylamine)(dimethylamine)] is a potential anticancer drug as described by experiment.     

Novel [Ru(polypyridine)(CO)2Cl2] and [Ru(polypyridine)2(CO)Cl]-type complexes: Characterizing the effects of introducing azopyridyl ligands by electrochemical, spectroscopic and crystallographic measurements

The reaction of ruthenium carbonyl polymer ([Ru(CO)₂Cl₂]_n) with azopyridyl compounds (2,2′-azobispyridine; apy or 2-phenylazopyridine; pap) generated new complexes, [Ru(azo)(CO)₂Cl₂] (azo = apy, pap). [Ru(apy)(CO)₂Cl₂] underwent photodecarbonylation to give a chloro-bridged dimer complex, whereas the corresponding pap complex ([Ru(pap)(CO)₂Cl₂]) was not converted to a dimer. The reactions of the chloro-bridged dimer containing the bpy ligand (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) with either apy or pap resulted in the formation of mixed polypyridyl complexes, [Ru(azo)(bpy)(CO)Cl]⁺. The novel complexes containing azo ligands were characterized by various spectroscopic measurements including the determination of X-ray crystallographic structures. Both [Ru(azo)(CO)₂Cl₂] complexes have two CO groups in a cis position to each other and two chlorides in a trans position. The azo groups are situated cis to the CO ligand in [Ru(azo)(bpy)(CO)Cl]⁺. All complexes have azo N-N bond lengths of 1.26-1.29 Å. The complexes exhibited azo-based two-electron reduction processes in electrochemical measurements. The effects of introducing azopyridyl ligands to the ruthenium carbonyl complexes were examined by ligand-based redox potentials, stretching frequencies and force constants of CO groups and bond parameters around Ru-CO moieties.