Design aspects for the development of mixed-metal supramolecular complexes capable of visible light induced photocleavage of DNA

Mixed-metal supramolecular complexes that couple ruthenium or osmium based light absorbers to a central rhodium(III) core have been designed which photocleave DNA upon irradiation with visible light. The complexes [[(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)](2)RhCl(2)](PF(6))(5), [[(bpy)(2)Os(dpp)](2)RhCl(2)](PF(6))(5), and [[(tpy)RuCl(dpp)](2)RhCl(2)](PF(6))(3), where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, tpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine, and dpp = 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine, all exhibit intense metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) based transitions in the visible but possess lower lying metal to metal charge transfer (MMCT) excited states. These supramolecular complexes with low lying MMCT states photocleave DNA when excited into their intense MLCT transitions. Structurally similar complexes without this low lying MMCT state do not exhibit DNA photocleavage, establishing the role of this MMCT state in the DNA photocleavage event. Design considerations necessary to produce functional DNA photocleavage agents are presented herein.     

Tuning and switching MLCT phosphorescence of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ complexes with triarylboranes and anions

Four new Ru(II) complexes, [Ru(bpy)(2)(4,4'-BP2bpy)][PF(6)](2) (1), [Ru(t-Bu-bpy)(2)(4,4'-BP2bpy)][PF(6)](2) (2), [Ru(bpy)(2)(5,5'-BP2bpy)][PF(6)](2) (3), and [Ru(t-Bu-bpy)(2)(5,5'-BP2bpy)][PF(6)](2) (4) have been synthesized (where 4,4'-BP2bpy = 4,4'-bis(BMes(2)phenyl)-2,2'-bpy; 5,5'-BP2bpy = 5,5'-bis(BMes(2)phenyl)-2,2'-bpy (4,4'-BP2bpy); and t-Bu-bpy = 4,4'-bis(t-butyl)-2,2'-bipyridine). These new complexes have been fully characterized. The crystal structures of 3 and 4 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. All four complexes display distinct metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) phosphorescence that has a similar quantum efficiency as that of [Ru(bpy)(3)][PF(6)](2) under air, but is at a much lower energy. The MLCT phosphorescence of these complexes has been found to be highly sensitive toward anions such as fluoride and cyanide, which switch the MLCT band to higher energy when added. The triarylboron groups in these compounds not only introduce this color switching mechanism, but also play a key role in the phosphorescence color of the complexes.     

Mono- and dinuclear ruthenium(II) 1,6,7,12-tetraazaperylene complexes

We report the synthesis of free 1,6,7,12-tetraazaperylene (tape). Tape was obtained from 1,1'-bis-2,7-naphthyridine by potassium promoted cyclization followed by oxidation with air. Mono- and dinuclear ruthenium(II) 1,6,7,12-tetraazaperylene complexes of the general formulas [Ru(L-L)(2)(tape)](PF(6))(2), [1](PF(6))(2)-[5](PF(6))(2), and [{Ru(L-L)(2)}(2)(μ-tape)](PF(6))(4), [6](PF(6))(4)-[10](PF(6))(4), with{L-L = phen, bpy, dmbpy (4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine), dtbbpy (4,4'-ditertbutyl-2,2'-bipyridine) and tmbpy (4,4'5,5'-tetramethyl-2,2'-bipyridine)}, respectively, were synthesized. The X-ray structures of tape·2CHCl(3) and the mononuclear complexes [Ru(bpy)(2)(tape)](PF(6))(2)·0.5CH(3)CN·0.5toluene, [Ru(dmbpy)(2)(tape)](PF(6))(2)·2toluene and [Ru(dtbbpy)(2)(tape)](PF(6))(2)·3acetone·0.5H(2)O were solved. The UV-vis absorption spectra and the electrochemical behavior of the ruthenium(ii) tape complexes were explored and compared with the data of the analogous dibenzoeilatin (dbneil), 2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpym) and tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c:3',2'-h:2',3'-j]phenazin (tpphz) species.     

Visible light induced photocleavage of DNA by a mixed-metal supramolecular complex: [[(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)](2)RhCl2]5+

The mixed-metal supramolecular complex, [[(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)](2)RhCl(2)](PF(6))(5) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine and dpp = 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine) coupling two ruthenium light absorbers (LAs) to a central rhodium, has been shown to photocleave DNA. This system possesses a lowest lying metal to metal charge transfer (MMCT) excited state in contrast to the metal to ligand charge transfer states (MLCT) of the bpm and Ir analogues. The systems with an MLCT excited state do not photocleavage DNA. [[(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)](2)RhCl(2)](PF(6))(5) is the first supramolecular system shown to cleave DNA. It functions through an excited state previously unexplored for this reactivity, a Ru --> Rh MMCT excited state. This system functions when irradiated with low energy visible light with or without molecular oxygen.     

Synthesis and structural,electrochemical, and optical properties of Ru(II) complexes with azobis(2,2'-bipyridine)s

Two new ditopic ligands, 5,5"-azobis(2,2'-bipyridine) (5,5"-azo) and 5,5"-azoxybis(2,2'-bipyridine) (5,5"-azoxy), were prepared by the reduction of nitro precursors. Mononuclear and dinuclear Ru(II) complexes having one of these bridging ligands and 2,2'-bipyridine terminal ligands were also prepared, and their properties were compared with previously reported Ru(II) complexes having 4,4"-azobis(2,2'-bipyridine) (4,4"-azo). The X-ray crystal structure showed that 5,5"-azo adopts the trans conformation and a planar rodlike shape. The X-ray crystal structure of [(bpy)(2)Ru(5,5"-azo)Ru(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(4) (Ru(5,5"-azo)Ru) showed that the bridging ligand is in the trans conformation and nearly planar also in the complex and the metal-to-metal distance is 10.0 A. The azo or azoxy ligand in these complexes exhibits reduction processes at less negative potentials than the terminal bpy's due to the low-lying pi level. The electronic absorption spectra for the complexes having 5,5"-azo or 5,5"-azoxy exhibit an extended low-energy metal-to-ligand charge-transfer absorption. The ligands, 5,5"-azo and 5,5"-azoxy, and the mononuclear complex, [(bpy)(2)Ru(5,5"-azo)](2+), isomerize reversibly upon light irradiation. The low-energy MLCT state sensitizes the isomerization of the azo moiety in this complex. While [(bpy)(2)Ru(4,4"-azo)Ru(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(4) exhibits light switch properties, namely, significant electrochromism and a large luminescence enhancement, upon reduction, Ru(5,5"-azo)Ru does not show these properties. The radical anion formation upon reduction of these complexes has been confirmed by ESR spectroscopy.     

Ruthenium(II)-polyazine light absorbers bridged to reactive cis-dichlororhodium(III) centers in a bimetallic molecular architecture

Bimetallic complexes of the form [(bpy)(2)Ru(BL)RhCl(2)(phen)](PF(6))(3), where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, and BL = 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine (dpp) or 2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpm), were synthesized, characterized, and compared to the [{(bpy)(2)Ru(BL)}(2)RhCl(2)](PF(6))(5) trimetallic analogues. The new complexes were synthesized via the building block method, exploiting the known coordination chemistry of Rh(III) polyazine complexes. In contrast to [{(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)}(2)RhCl(2)](PF(6))(5) and [{(bpy)(2)Ru(bpm)}(2)RhCl(2)](PF(6))(5), [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)RhCl(2)(phen)](PF(6))(3) and [(bpy)(2)Ru(bpm)RhCl(2)(phen)](PF(6))(3) have a single visible light absorber subunit coupled to the cis-Rh(III)Cl(2) moiety, an unexplored molecular architecture. The electrochemistry of [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)RhCl(2)(phen)](PF(6))(3) showed a reversible oxidation at 1.61 V (vs Ag/AgCl) (Ru(III/II)), quasi-reversible reductions at -0.39 V, -0.74, and -0.98 V. The first two reductive couples corresponded to two electrons, consistent with Rh reduction. The electrochemistry of [(bpy)(2)Ru(bpm)RhCl(2)(phen)](PF(6))(3) exhibited a reversible oxidation at 1.76 V (Ru(III/II)). A reversible reduction at -0.14 V (bpm(0/-)), and quasi-reversible reductions at -0.77 and -0.91 V each corresponded to a one electron process, bpm(0/-), Rh(III/II), and Rh(II/I). The dpp bridged bimetallic and trimetallic display Ru(dpi)-->dpp(pi*) metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions at 509 nm (14,700 M(-1) cm(-1)) and 518 nm (26,100 M(-1) cm(-1)), respectively. The bpm bridged bimetallic and trimetallic display Ru(dpi)-->bpm(pi*) charge transfer (CT) transitions at 581 nm (4,000 M(-1) cm(-1)) and 594 nm (9,900 M(-1) cm(-1)), respectively. The heteronuclear complexes [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)RhCl(2)(phen)](PF(6))(3) and [{(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)}(2)RhCl(2)](PF(6))(5) had (3)MLCT emissions that are Ru(dpi)-->dpp(pi*) CT in nature but were red-shifted and lower intensity than [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)Ru(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(4). The lifetimes of the (3)MLCT state of [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)RhCl(2)(phen)](PF(6))(3) at room temperature (30 ns) was shorter than [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)Ru(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(4), consistent with favorable electron transfer to Rh(III) to generate a metal-to-metal charge-transfer ((3)MMCT) state. The reported synthetic methods provide means to a new molecular architecture coupling a single Ru light absorber to the Rh(III) center while retaining the interesting cis-Rh(III)Cl(2) moiety.     

A Tetranuclear Ruthenium(II) Complex Containing both Electron-Rich and Electron-Poor Bridging Ligands. Absorption Spectrum, Luminescence, Redox Behavior, and Intercomponent Energy Transfer

The first luminescent and redox active multinuclear Ru(II) compound containing both electron-poor (2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine, 2,3-dpp) and electron-rich (3,5-bis(pyridyn-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole, Hbpt) polypyridine bridging ligands has been synthesized. The novel compound is [(bpy)(2)Ru(&mgr;-bpt)Ru{(&mgr;-2,3-dpp)Ru(bpy)(2)}(2)](7+) (1; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine). Its absorption spectrum, luminescence properties, and redox behavior have been studied and are compared with the properties of the parent complexes [Ru{(&mgr;-2,3-dpp)Ru(bpy)(2)}(3)](8+) (2) and [(bpy)(2)Ru(&mgr;-bpt)Ru(bpy)(2)](3+) (3). The absorption spectrum of 1 is dominated by ligand-centered bands in the UV region and by metal-to-ligand charge transfer bands in the visible region. Excited states and oxidation and reduction processes are localized in specific sites of the multicomponent structure. However, perturbations of each component on the redox and excited states of the others, as well as electronic interactions between the chromophores, can be observed. Intercomponent energy transfer from the upper-lying (&mgr;-bpt)(bpy)Ru-->bpy CT excited state of the Ru(bpy)(2)(&mgr;-bpt)(+) component to the lower-lying (bpy)(2)Ru-->&mgr;-2,3-dpp CT excited state of the Ru(bpy)(2)(&mgr;-2,3-dpp)(2+) subunit(s) is efficient in 1 in fluid solution at room temperature, whereas this process is not observed in a rigid matrix at 77 K. A two-step energy transfer mechanism is proposed to explain the photophysical properties of the new compound.     

Formation of assemblies comprising Ru-polypyridine complexes and CdSe nanocrystals studied by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and DFT modeling

The interaction between CdSe nanocrystals (NCs) passivated with trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) ligands and a series of Ru-polypyridine complexes-[Ru(bpy)(3)](PF(6))(2) (1), [Ru(bpy)(2)(mcb)](PF(6))(2) (2), [Ru(bpy)(mcb)(2)](BarF)(2) (3), and [Ru(tpby)(2)(dcb)](PF(6))(2) (4) (where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, mcb = 4-carboxy-4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine, tbpy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine; dcb = 4,4'-dicarboxy-2,2'-bipyridine, and BarF = tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate)-was studied by attenuated total reflectance FTIR (ATR-FTIR) and modeled using density functional theory (DFT). ATR-FTIR studies reveal that when the solid film of NCs is exposed to an acetonitrile solution of 2, 3, or 4, the complexes chemically bind to the NC surface through their carboxylic acid groups, replacing TOPO ligands. The corresponding spectral changes are observed on a time scale of minutes. In the case of 2, the FTIR spectral changes clearly show that the complex adsorption is associated with a loss of proton from the carboxylic acid group. In the case of 3 and 4, deprotonation of the anchoring group is also detected, while the second, "spectrator" carboxylic acid group remains protonated. The observed energy difference between the symmetric, ν(s), and asymmetric, ν(as), stretch of the deprotonated carboxylic acid group suggests that the complexes are bound to the NC surface via a bridging mode. The results of DFT modeling are consistent with the experiment, showing that for the deprotonated carboxylic acid group the coupling to two Cd atoms via a bridging mode is the energetically most favorable mode of attachment for all nonequivalent NC surface sites and that the attachment of the protonated carboxylic acid is thermodynamically significantly less favorable.     

A new heptanuclear dendritic ruthenium(II) complex featuring photoinduced energy transfer across high-energy subunits.

The new heptanuclear ruthenium(II) dendron, [Cl(2)Ru{(micro-2,3dpp)Ru[(micro-2,3-dpp)Ru(bpy)2]2}2](PF6)12 (1; 2,3-dpp=2,3-bis(2'-pyridyl)pyrazine; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine), was prepared by means of the "complexes as ligands/complexes as metals" synthetic strategy, and its absorption spectrum, redox behavior, and luminescence properties were investigated. Compound 1 is a multicomponent species, which contains three different types of chromophores (namely, the {Cl(2)Ru(micro-2,3-dpp)2} core, the {Ru(micro-2,3dpp)3}2+ intermediate, and the {(bpy)2Ru(micro-2,3-dpp)}2+ peripheral subunits) and several redox-active sites. The new species exhibits very intense absorption bands in the UV region (epsilon value in the 10(5)-10(6) M(-1) cm(-1) range) as a result of spin-allowed ligand-centered (LC) transitions, and intense bands in the visible region (epsilon value in the 10(4)-10(5) M(-1) cm(-1) range) as a result of the various spin-allowed metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) transitions. The redox investigation (accomplished by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry) indicates that 1 undergoes a series of reversible metal-centered oxidation and ligand-centered reduction processes within the potential window investigated (+1.90 / -1.40 V vs. the standard calomel electrode, SCE). The assignment of each absorption bond and redox process to specific subunits of 1 was achieved by comparison with the properties of smaller multinuclear species of the same family, namely [Cl(2)Ru{(micro-2,3-dpp)Ru(bpy)2}2]4+ (2), [(bpy)2Ru(u-2,3-dpp)Ru(bpy)2]4+ (4), and [Ru{(micro-2,3-dpp)Ru(bpy)2}3]4+ (5). The title compound exhibits luminescence both at room temperature in acetonitrile fluid solution and at 77 K in butyronitrile rigid matrix. The emission is attributed to the triplet MLCT (3MLCT) state involving the core {Cl(2)Ru(micro-2,3-dpp)2} subunit. Interestingly, the 3MLCT levels involving the peripheral {(bpy)2Ru(micro-2,3-dpp)}2+ subunits are deactivated by energy transfer to the emitting level, in spite of the presence of interposed high-energy (Ru(micro-2,3-dpp)3}2+ components, which, in other dendrimers, acted as "isolating" subunits toward energy-transfer processes. Ultrafast experiments on 1 and on the parent species 2 and 5 allowed us to rationalize this behavior and highlight that a sequential two-step electron-transfer process can be held responsible for the efficient overall energy transfer, which offers a way to overcome a limitation in antenna metal dendrimers.     

Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of CN-substituted bipyridyl complexes of Ru(II)

A series of ruthenium complexes having the general form [Ru(bpy)(3-n)(CN-Me-bpy)(n)](PF(6))(2) (where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, CN-Me-bpy = 4,4'-dicyano-5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, and n = 1-3 for complexes 1-3, respectively) have been synthesized and characterized using a variety of steady-state and nanosecond time-resolved spectroscopies. Electrochemical measurements indicate that the CN-Me-bpy ligand is significantly easier to reduce than the unsubstituted bipyridine (on the order of ～500 mV), implying that the lowest energy (3)MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) state will be associated with the CN-Me-bpy ligand(s) in all three compounds. Comparison of the Huang-Rhys factors derived from spectral fitting analyses of the steady state emission spectra of complexes 1-3 suggests all three compounds are characterized by excited-state geometries that are less distorted relative to their ground states as compared to [Ru(bpy)(3)](PF(6))(2); the effect of the more nested ground- and excited-state potentials is reflected in the unusually high radiative quantum yields (13% (1), 27% (2), and 40% (3)) and long (3)MLCT-state room-temperature lifetimes (1.6 μs, 2.6 μs, and 3.5 μs, respectively) for these compounds. Coupling of the π* system into the CN groups is confirmed by nanosecond step-scan IR spectra which reveal a ～40 cm(-1) bathochromic shift of the CN stretching frequency, indicative of a weaker CN bond in the (3)MLCT excited state relative to the ground state. The fact that the shift is the same for complexes 1-3 is evidence that, in all three complexes, the long-lived excited state is localized on a single CN-Me-bpy ligand rather than being delocalized over multiple ligands.     

Synthesis and characterization of tris(heteroleptic) Ru(II) complexes bearing styryl subunits

We have developed and optimized a well-controlled and refined methodology for the synthesis of substituted π-conjugated 4,4'-styryl-2,2'-bipyridine ligands and also adapted the tris(heteroleptic) synthetic approach developed by Mann and co-workers to produce two new representative Ru(II)-based complexes bearing the metal oxide surface-anchoring precursor 4,4'-bis[E-(p-methylcarboxy-styryl)]-2,2'-bipyridine. The two targeted Ru(II) complexes, (4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine)(4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine)(4,4'-bis[E-(p-methylcarboxy-styryl)]-2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium(II) hexafluorophosphate, [Ru(dmbpy)(dtbbpy)(p-COOMe-styryl-bpy)](PF(6))(2) (1) and (4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine)(4,4'-dinonyl-2,2'-bipyridine)(4,4'-bis[E-(p-methylcarboxy-styryl)]-2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium(II) hexafluorophosphate, [Ru(dmbpy)(dnbpy)(p-COOMe-styryl-bpy)](PF(6))(2) (2) were obtained as analytically pure compounds in high overall yields (>50% after 5 steps) and were isolated without significant purification effort. In these tris(heteroleptic) molecules, NMR-based structural characterization became nontrivial as the coordinated ligand sets each sense profoundly distinct magnetic environments greatly complicating traditional 1D spectra. However, rational two-dimensional approaches based on both homo- and heteronuclear couplings were readily applied to these structures producing quite definitive analytical characterization and the associated methodology is described in detail. Preliminary photoluminescence and photochemical characterization of 1 and 2 strongly suggests that both molecules are energetically and kinetically suitable to serve as sensitizers in energy-relevant applications.     

New ruthenium(II) complexes functionalized with coumarin derivatives: synthesis, energy-transfer-based sensing of esterase, cytotoxicity, and imaging studies

Two new bichromophoric ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(bpy)(2)(bpy-CM)](PF(6))(2) and [Ru(bpy)(2)(bpy-CM343)](PF(6))(2) (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, CM=coumarin) with appended coumarin ligands have been designed and synthesized. The energy-transfer-based sensing of esterase by the complexes has been studied by using UV/Vis and luminescence spectroscopic methods. The cytotoxicity and the cellular uptake of one of the complexes have also been investigated.     

Ruthenium(II) complexes with the mixed ligands 2,2'-bipyridine and 4,4'-dialkyl ester-2,2'-bipyridine as pure red dopants for a single-layer electrophosphorescent device

The mixed-ligand polypyridine ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(bpy)(2)(dmeb)](2+)(PF(6)(-))(2) (Ru(dmeb)(2+)) and [Ru(bpy)(2)(dbeb)](2+)(PF(6)(-))(2) (Ru(dbeb)(2+)), where bpy is bipyridine, dmeb is 4,4'-dimethyl ester-2,2'-bipyridine, and dbeb is 4,4'-dibutyl ester-2,2'-bipyridine, are synthesized and characterized, and their spectroscopic, electrochemical, and electroluminescent properties are reported. Both Ru(II) complexes showed strong emission from the triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer excited state, red-shifted emission spectra (lambda(max) = 642 nm), and good solubility in organic solvents compared to the frequently used tris(bipyridine) Ru(II) complexes. The electrochemical measurements for these Ru complexes showed reversible and quasi-reversible redox processes, implying a potential improvement in the stability of the electroluminescent device. The electrophosphorescent devices were fabricated by doping them in a polymer host using a simple solution spin-coating technique. For a single-layer device with the 1.0 wt % Ru(dbeb)(2+)-doped polymer blends of poly(vinylcarbazole) (PVK) and 2-tert-butylphenyl-5-biphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol (PBD) as the emitting layer and with the metal Ba as the cathode, an external quantum efficiency of 3.0%, a luminous efficiency of 2.4 cd/A, and a maximum brightness of 935 cd/m(2) are reached with an electroluminescence (EL) spectral peak at 640 nm and Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates of x = 0.64 and y = 0.33, which were comparable with standard red color.     

cis-Bis(bipyridine)ruthenium Imidazole Derivatives: A Spectroscopic, Kinetic, and Structural Study

The ruthenium bis(bipyridine) complexes cis-[Ru(bpy)(2)Im(OH(2))](2+), cis-[Ru(bpy)(2)(Im)(2)](2+), cis-[Ru(bpy)(2)(N-Im)(2)](2+), cis-[Ru(dmbpy)(2)Im(OH(2))](2+), cis-[Ru(dmbpy)(2)(N-Im)(OH(2))](2+)(bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, dmbpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, Im = imidazole, N-Im = N-methylimidazole), have been synthesized under ambient conditions in aqueous solution (pH 7). Their electrochemical and spectroscopic properties, absorption, emission, and lifetimes were determined and compared. The substitution kinetics of the cis-[Ru(bpy)(2)Im(OH(2))](2+) complexes show slower rates and have lower affinities for imidazole ligands than the corresponding cis-[Ru(NH(3))(4)Im(OH(2))](2+) complexes. The crystal structures of the monoclinic cis-[Ru(bpy)(2)(Im)(2)](BF(4))(2), space group = P2(1)/a, Z = 4, a = 11.344(1) ?, b = 17.499(3) ?, c = 15.114(3) ?, and beta = 100.17(1) degrees, and triclinic cis-[Ru(bpy)(2)(N-Im)(H(2)O)](CF(3)COO)(2).H(2)O, space group = P&onemacr;, Z = 2, a = 10.432(4) ?, b = 11.995(3) ?, c = 13.912(5) ?, alpha = 87.03(3) degrees, beta = 70.28(3) degrees, and gamma = 71.57(2) degrees, complexes show that these molecules crystallize as complexes of octahedral Ru(II) to two bidentate bipyridine ligands with two imidazole ligands or a water and an N-methylimidazole ligand cis to each other. The importance of these molecules is associated with their frequent use in the modification of proteins at histidine residues and in comparisons of the modified protein derivatives with these small molecule analogs.     

Designed synthesis of a multimetallic system having Ru(4)Cu(2) core using trimetallic coordination of 2,2'-biimidazolate ion

Synthesis of a novel hexametallic compound, [[(bpy)(2)Ru(biim)](4)Cu(2)](ClO(4))(4), (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine and biim = 2,2'-biimidazolate dianion) from a monometallic complex, [(bpy)(2)Ru(biim)] and hydrated Cu(ClO(4))(2) is described. The X-ray structure consists of four octahedral ruthenium(II) centers arranged around a bimetallic Cu(2)-core. The four octahedral [(bpy)(2)Ru(biim)] units arranged around the Cu(2)-moiety that resulted in a propeller shape arrangement. The results of cryomagnetic measurements on the di-copper complex indicate that the two Cu(II) ions are coupled antiferromagnetically through the two bridging biim ligands. The EPR spectrum of the complex showed a typical axial spectrum. Optical spectra and redox properties of are reported. An intense absorption at 525 nm is assigned as Ru(dpi) --> pi(*)(bpy) transition.     

Structural, electronic, and acid/base properties of [Ru(bpy)2(bpy(OH)2)]2+ (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, bpy(OH)2 = 4,4'-dihydroxy-2,2'-bipyridine)

We have synthesized the complex [Ru(bpy)(2)(bpy(OH)(2))](2+) (bpy =2,2'-bipyridine, bpy(OH)(2) = 4,4'-dihydroxy-2,2'-bipyridine). Experimental results coupled with computational studies were utilized to investigate the structural and electronic properties of the complex, with particular attention paid toward the effects of deprotonation on these properties. The most distinguishing feature observed in the X-ray structural data is a shortening of the CO bond lengths in the modified ligand upon deprotonation. Similar results are also observed in the computational studies as the CO bond becomes double bond in character after deprotonating the complex. Electrochemically, the hydroxy-modified bipyridyl ligand plays a significant role in the redox properties of the complex. When protonated, the bpy(OH)(2) ligand undergoes irreversible reduction processes; however, when deprotonated, reduction of the substituted ligand is no longer observed, and several new irreversible oxidation processes associated with the modified ligand arise. pH studies indicate [Ru(bpy)(2)(bpy(OH)(2))](2+) has two distinct deprotonations at pK(a1) = 2.7 and pK(a2) = 5.8. The protonated [Ru(bpy)(2)(bpy(OH)(2))](2+) complex has a characteristic UV/Visible absorption spectrum similar to the well-studied complex [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) with bands arising from Metal-to-Ligand Charge Transfer (MLCT) transitions. When the complex is deprotonated, the absorption spectrum is altered significantly and becomes heavily solvent dependent. Computational methods indicate that the deprotonated bpy(O(-))(2) ligand mixes heavily with the metal d orbitals leading to a new absorption manifold. The transitions in the complex have been assigned as mixed Metal-Ligand to Ligand Charge Transfer (MLLCT).     

The synthesis and structure of heteroleptic tris(diimine)ruthenium(II) complexes

The reactions of bidentate diimine ligands (L2) with cationic bis(diimine)[Ru(L)(L1)(CO)Cl]+ complexes (L, L1, L2 are dissimilar diimine ligands), in the presence of trimethylamine-N-oxide (Me3NO) as a decarbonylation reagent, lead to the formation of heteroleptic tris(diimine) ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(L)(L1)(L2)]2+. Typically isolated as hexafluorophosphate or perchlorate salts, these complexes were characterised by UV-visible, infrared and mass spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, microanalyses and NMR spectroscopy. Single crystal X-ray studies have elucidated the structures of K[Ru(bpy)(phen)(4,4'-Me(2)bpy)](PF(6))(3).1/2H(2)O, [Ru(bpy)(5,6-Me(2)phen)(Hdpa)](ClO(4))(2), [Ru(bpy)(phen)(5,6-Me(2)phen)](ClO(4))(2), [Ru(bpy)(5,6'-Me(2)phen)(4,4'-Me(2)bpy)](PF(6))(2).EtOH, [Ru(4,4'-Me(2)bpy)(phen)(Hdpa)](PF(6))(2).MeOH and [Ru(bpy)(4,4'-Me(2)bpy)(Hdpa)](ClO(4))(2).1/2Hdpa (where Hdpa is di(2-pyridyl)amine). A novel feature of the first complex is the presence of a dinuclear anionic adduct, [K(2)(PF(6))(6)](4-), in which the two potassium centres are bridged by two fluorides from different hexafluorophosphate ions forming a K(2)F(2) bridging unit and by two KFPFK bridging moieties.     

Evidence for static quenching of MLCT excited states by iodide

The metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited states of Ru(deeb)(bpy)(2)(PF(6))(2) [where bpy is 2,2-bipyridine and deeb is 4,4'-(CO(2)CH(2)CH(3))(2)-2,2'-bipyridine] in acetonitrile or dichloromethane were found to be quenched by iodide at room temperature. The ionic strength dependence of the optical spectra gave evidence for ion pairing. Iodide is found to quench the photoluminescence (PL) intensity and influence the spectral distribution of the emitted light. A static component to the time-resolved PL quenching provided further evidence for ground-state adduct. Stern-Volmer analysis of the static component provided an estimate of the iodide-Ru(deeb)(bpy)(2)(2+) adduct equilibrium constant in dichloromethane, K(sv) = 40,000 M(-)(1). Transient absorption studies clearly demonstrate that an electron-transfer quenching mechanism is operative and that I(2)(-)(*) can be photoproduced in high yield, phi = 0.25. For Ru(bpy)(3)(PF(6))(2) in acetonitrile, similar behavior could be observed at iodide concentrations >100 times that required for dichloromethane.     

Characterization of inorganic coordination complexes by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

We report the direct laser desorption/ionization (LDI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric (MALDI-TOFMS) analysis of four inorganic coordination complexes: monometallic [Ir(dpp)(2)Cl(2)](PF(6)), homonuclear trimetallic ([(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)](2)RuCl(2))- (PF(6))(4), and heteronuclear [(tpy)Ru(tpp)Ru(tpp)RhCl(3)](PF(6))(4) and ([(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)](2)IrCl(2))(PF(6))(5) (dpp = 2,3-bis-(2'-pyridyl)pyrazine, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, tpy = 2,2',6',2"-terpyradine, tpp = 2,3,5,6,-tetrakis-(2'-pyridyl)pyrazine). Spectral intensities and fragmentation patterns are compared and evaluated for instrument parameters, matrix selection, and matrix-to-analyte ratio. Direct LDI and MALDI mass spectra of the monometallic complex showed the same ion peaks and differed only in the relative peak intensities. Direct LDI of the trimetallic complexes produced only low-mass fragments containing one metal at most. MALDI spectra of the trimetallic complexes exhibited little fragmentation in the high-mass region (>1500 Da) and less fragmentation in the low-mass region compared to direct LDI. Significant fragments of the molecules were detected and identified, including ligand fragments, intermediate-mass fragments such as [Ru(tpy)](+), and molecular ions with varying degrees of PF(6)(-) loss ([M - n(PF(6))](+), where n = 1-3). A correlation exists between the solution-phase electrochemistry and the observed [M - n(PF(6))](+) series of peaks for the trimetallic complexes. Proper matrix selection for MALDI analysis was vital, as was an appropriate matrix-to-analyte ratio. The results demonstrate the applicability of MALDI-TOFMS for the structural characterization of labile inorganic coordination complexes.     

Ruthenium(II) complexes containing 8-(dimethylphosphino)quinoline (Me(2)Pqn): preparation,crystal structures,and electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of [Ru(bpy or phen)(3)(-)(n)(Me(2)Pqn)(n)](PF(6))(2) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; n = 1, 2, or 3)

Several new ruthenium(II) complexes containing 8-(dimethylphosphino)quinoline (Me(2)Pqn) were synthesized, and their structures and electrochemical/spectroscopic properties have been investigated. In addition to the mono(Me(2)Pqn) complex [Ru(bpy or phen)(2)(Me(2)Pqn)](PF(6))(2) (1 or 1'; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), the geometrical isomers trans(P)- and C(1)-[Ru(bpy)(Me(2)Pqn)(2)](PF(6))(2) (tP-2 and C(1)-2) and mer- and fac-[Ru(Me(2)Pqn)(3)](PF(6))(2) (m-3 and f-3) were also selectively synthesized and isolated. It was found that complexes tP-2 and m-3 were converted quantitatively to the corresponding C(1)-2 and f-3 isomers, respectively, by irradiation of light corresponding to the MLCT transition energy. The strong trans influence of the Me(2)P- donor group of Me(2)Pqn was confirmed by the X-ray structural analyses for 1, tP-2, m-3, and f-3. Cyclic voltammetry of a series of complexes, [Ru(bpy)(3)](PF(6))(2), 1, C(1)-2, and f-3, exhibited a reversible one-electron oxidation wave and two or three one-electron reduction waves. The oxidation potentials of the complexes gave a large positive shift with increasing number of coordinated Me(2)Pqn molecules, indicating a larger pi-acceptability of the Me(2)P- group compared with bpy or qn. Complex f-3 in EtOH/MeOH (4:1) glass at 77 K exhibited an intense long-lived (tau = 920 microseconds) emission arising from the quinoline-based (3)(pi-pi) excited state. In contrast, the mixed-ligand complexes 1, 1', and C(1)-2 showed a characteristic dual emission, giving a double-exponential emission decay, and the dual emission originates from both the bpy-based (3)MLCT and the quinoline-based (3)(pi-pi) emitting states.