Intervalence charge transfer in a "chain-like" ruthenium trinuclear assembly based on the bridging ligand 4,7-phenanthrolino-5,6:5',6'-pyrazine (ppz)

The IVCT characteristics of the mixed valence forms of the trinuclear complex [{Delta-Ru(bpy)2}2{Delta(t)-Ru(bpy)(mu-ppz)2}]n+ (n = 7, 8; t = trans), and the diastereoisomers (meso and rac) of the dinuclear complex [{Ru(bpy)2}2(mu-ppz)]5+, display a marked dependence on the nuclearity and extent of oxidation of the assemblies. The dinuclear species are classified as borderline localised-delocalised mixed valence species while the two mixed valence states of the trinuclear complex exhibit localised behaviour. One-electron oxidation of a terminal Ru centre in the trinuclear case gives rise to a broad, low intensity IVCT band for the +7 mixed valence species which is composed of two underlying Gaussian-shaped bands. The transitions are identified as adjacent and remote IVCT transitions, with the former dominating the intensity of the IVCT manifold. The +8 mixed valence species exhibits a single dominant IVCT band arising from the equivalent IVCT transitions from the central Ru(II) to peripheral Ru(III) centres.     

Influence of anions on intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) in mixed-valence dinuclear complexes

Spectroelectrochemical studies of the intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) characteristics of both diastereoisomeric forms of the dinuclear complex [{Ru(bpy)2}2(mu-dpi-)]n+ [bpy=2,2'-bipyridine; dpi-=4,5-di(2-pyridyl)imidazolate] showed that the degree of inter-metal electronic coupling (or valence delocalization) is dependent on stereochemical identity. Increasing the relative concentration of the strongly associating anion toluene-4-sulfonate in acetonitrile/[(n-C4H9)4N]{B(C6F5)4} solution differentially decreased the level of delocalization for the two diastereoisomers. In a comparative investigation of electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical techniques of the anion-induced electron localization in [{Ru(bpy)2}2(mu-dpo)]5+ [dpo=3,4-di(2-pyridyl)-1,2,5-oxadiazole], differences were observed between the two methods in the order and extent of effects induced by a number of inorganic anions (PF6-, BF4-, ClO4-). It was determined that the measure of coupling derived from electrochemical methods was less reliable than that obtained from spectral methods. Comparative electrochemical studies were undertaken on [{M(bpy)2}2(mu-BL)]n+ {M=Ru, Os; BL=dpo, dpi-), which revealed substantial differences in DeltaEox (the separation between the redox potentials for the MII-MII/MIII-MII and MII-MIII/MIII-MIII couples) for the two metal centers and therefore the comproportionation constant Kc, dependent on the neutral or anionic nature of the bridging ligand.     

Mononuclear and dinuclear complexes of dibenzoeilatin: synthesis, structure, and electrochemical and photophysical properties

This work describes a study of Ru(II) and Os(II) polypyridyl complexes of the symmetrical, fused-aromatic bridging ligand dibenzoeilatin (1). The synthesis, purification, and structural characterization by NMR of the mononuclear complexes [Ru(bpy)(2)(dbneil)](2+) (2), [Ru(tmbpy)(2)(dbneil)](2+) (3), and [Os(bpy)(2)(dbneil)](2+) (4), the homodinuclear complexes [[Ru(bpy)(2)](2)[micro-dbneil]](4+) (5), [[Ru(tmbpy)(2)](2)[micro-dbneil]](4+) (6), and [[Os(bpy)(2)](2)[micro-dbneil]](4+) (7), and the heterodinuclear complex [[Ru(bpy)(2)][micro-dbneil][Os(bpy)(2)]](4+) (8) are described, along with the crystal structures of 4, 6, and 7. Absorption spectra of the mononuclear complexes feature a low-lying MLCT band around 600 nm. The coordination of a second metal fragment results in a dramatic red shift of the MLCT band to beyond 700 nm. Cyclic and square wave voltammograms of the mononuclear complexes exhibit one reversible metal-based oxidation, as well as several ligand-based reduction waves. The first two reductions, attributed to reduction of the dibenzoeilatin ligand, are substantially anodically shifted compared to [M(bpy)(3)](2+) (M = Ru, Os), consistent with the low-lying pi orbital of dibenzoeilatin. The dinuclear complexes exhibit two reversible, well-resolved, metal-centered oxidation waves, despite the chemical equivalence of the two metal centers, indicating a significant metal-metal interaction mediated by the conjugated dibenzoeilatin ligand. Luminescence spectra, quantum yield, and lifetime measurements at room temperature in argon-purged acetonitrile have shown that the complexes exhibit (3)MLCT emission, which occurs in the IR-region between 950 and 1300 nm. The heterodinuclear complex 8 exhibits luminescence only from the Ru-based fragment, the intensity of which is less than 1% of that observed in the corresponding homodinuclear complex 5; no emission from the Os-based unit is observed, and an intramolecular quenching constant of k(q) > or = 3 x10(9) s(-)(1) is evaluated. The nature of the quenching process is briefly discussed.     

Intervalence charge transfer in the stereoisomers of a dinuclear ruthenium complex containing the bridging ligand dibenzoeilatin

The dinuclear species [{Ru(bpy)2}2(micro-dbneil)]4+(bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; dbneil = dibenzoeilatin) was separated into its three stereoisomeric forms by cation-exchange chromatographic techniques. The NMR characteristics of the two diastereoisomers (meso and rac) are very similar, consistent with the decreased anisotropic interactions between the terminal bpy ligands located on different ruthenium centres because of their large spatial separation. Spectroelectrochemical measurements of the IVCT transitions in the mixed valence (5+) species show the system to be in the class II-III regime with substantial electronic communication between the metal centres. There is no significant difference in IVCT behaviour between the two diastereoisomers.     

Mononuclear and dinuclear complexes of isoeilatin

This work describes the synthesis and characterization of mononuclear and dinuclear Ru(II) and Os(II) complexes based on the symmetrical bridging ligand isoeilatin (1). The crystal structure of 1.[HCl]2 consists of layers of tightly pi-stacked molecules of the biprotonated isoeilatin. The mononuclear complexes [Ru(bpy)2(ieil)]2+ (2(2+)) and [Os(bpy)2(ieil)]2+ (3(2+)) form discrete dimers in solution held together by face-selective pi-stacking interactions via the isoeilatin ligand. Coordination of a second metal fragment does not hinder the pi-stacking completely, as demonstrated by the concentration dependence of the 1H NMR spectra of the dinuclear complexes [{Ru(bpy)2}2{mu-ieil}]4+ (4(4+)), [{Os(bpy)2}2{mu-ieil}]4+ (5(4+)), and [{Ru(bpy)2}{mu-ieil}{Os(bpy)2}]4+ (6(4+)) and supported by the solid-state structure of meso-4.[Cl]4. The bridging isoeilatin ligand conserves its planarity even upon coordination of a second metal fragment, as demonstrated in the solid-state structures of meso-4.[Cl]4, meso-4.[PF6]4, and meso-5.[PF6]4. All of the dinuclear complexes exhibit a preference (3/2-3/1) for the formation of the heterochiral as opposed to the homochiral diastereoisomer. Absorption spectra of the mononuclear complexes feature a low-lying dpi(M) --> pi*iel MLCT band around 600 nm that shifts to beyond 700 nm upon coordination of a second metal fragment. Cyclic and square-wave voltammetry measurements of the complexes exhibit two isoeilatin-based reduction waves that are substantially anodically shifted compared to [M(bpy)3]2+ (M = Ru, Os). Luminescence spectra, quantum yields, and lifetime measurements at room temperature and at 77 K demonstrate that the complexes exhibit 3MLCT emission that occurs in the IR region between 950 and 1300 nm. Both the electrochemical and photophysical data are consistent with the low-lying pi orbital of the isoeilatin ligand. The dinuclear complexes exhibit two reversible, well-resolved, metal-centered oxidation waves, despite the chemical equivalence of the two metal centers, indicating a significant metal-metal interaction mediated by the bridging isoeilatin ligand.     

Di- and tetranuclear ruthenium(II) and/or osmium(II) complexes of polypyridyl ligands bridged by a fully conjugated aromatic spacer: synthesis,characterization, and electrochemical and photophysical studies

A series of mono-, di-, and tetranuclear homo/heterometallic complexes of Ru(II) and Os(II) based on the bridging ligand dppz(11-11')dppz (where dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) (BL) have been synthesized and characterized. This bridging ligand is a long rigid rod with only one rotational degree of freedom and provides complete conjugation between the chromophores. The complexes synthesized are of general formula [(bpy)(2)Ru-BL](2+), [(phen)(2)/(bpy)(2)M-BL-M(bpy)(2)/(phen)(2)](4+) (M = Ru(II) and Os(II)), [(bpy)(2)Ru-BL-Os(bpy)(2)](4+), and [((bpy)(2)Ru-BL)(3)M](8+). Detailed (1)H NMR studies of these complexes revealed that each chiral center does not influence its neighbor because of the long distance between the metal centers and the superimposed resonances of the diastereoisomers, which allowed the unambiguous assignment of the signals, particularly for homonuclear complexes. Concentration-dependent (1)H NMR studies show molecular aggregation of the mono- and dinuclear complexes in solution by pi-pi stacking. Electrospray mass spectrometry data are consistent with dimerization of mono- and dinuclear complexes in solution. Electrochemical studies show oxidations of Ru(II) and Os(II) in the potential ranges +1.38 to +1.40 and +0.92 to +1.01 V, respectively. The bridging ligand exhibits two one-electron reductions, and it appears that the added electrons are localized on the phenazene moieties of the spacer. All of these complexes show strong metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) absorption and (3)MLCT luminescence at room temperature. Quantum yields have been calculated, and the emission lifetimes of all complexes have been measured by laser flash photolysis experiments. The luminescence intensity and lifetime data suggest that the emission due to the Ru center of the heteronuclear complexes is strongly quenched (>90%) compared to that of the corresponding model complexes. This quenching is attributed to intramolecular energy transfer from the Ru(II) center to the Os(II) center (k = (3-5) x 10(7) s(-1)) across the bridging ligand.     

Dinuclear ruthenium(II) complexes as potential probes for RNA bulge sites

1H NMR spectroscopy and molecular modelling have been used to investigate the binding of the DeltaDelta-and LambdaLambda-enantiomers of the dinuclear ruthenium(II) complex [[Ru(Me2bpy)2]2(mu-bpm)]4+ [Me2bpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine; bpm = 2,2'-bipyrimidine] to an RNA tridecanucleotide duplex containing a single-base bulge [r(CCGAGAAUUCCGG)2]], and the corresponding control dodecanucleotide [r(CCGGAAUUCCGG)2]. Both enantiomers bound the control RNA sequence weakly. From upfield shifts of the metal complex H3 and H3' protons throughout the titration of the control dodecanucleotide with DeltaDelta-[[Ru(Me2bpy)2]2(mu-bpm)]4+, a binding constant of 1 x 10(3) M(-1) was determined. In NOESY spectra of the control sequence with added DeltaDelta-[[Ru(Me2bpy)2]2(mu-bpm)]4+, NOEs were only observed to protons from the terminal base-pair residues. No significant changes in chemical shift were observed for either the metal complex or RNA protons upon addition of the LambdaLambda-enantiomer to the control dodecanucleotide. The DeltaDelta-[[Ru(Me2bpy)2]2(mu-bpm)]4+ complex bound the bulge-containing RNA with a significantly greater affinity (6 x 10(4) M(-1)) than the non-bulge control RNA duplex. Competition binding experiments indicated that the LambdaLambda-isomer bound the tridecanucleotide with similar affinity to the DeltaDelta-enantiomer. Addition of DeltaDelta-[[Ru(Me2bpy)2]2(mu-bpm)]4+ to the bulge-containing tridecanucleotide induced selective changes in chemical shift for the base H8 and sugar H1' resonances from the adenine bulge residue, and resonances from nucleotide residues adjacent to the bulge site. Intermolecular NOEs observed in NOESY spectra of the tridecanucleotide with added DeltaDelta-[[Ru(Me2bpy)2]2(mu-bpm)]4+ confirmed the selective binding of the ruthenium complex at the bulge site. Preliminary binding models, consistent with the NMR data, showed that the ruthenium complex could effectively associate in the RNA minor groove at the bulge site.     

Preparation and reactivity of mixed-ligand ruthenium(II) hydride complexes with phosphites and polypyridyls

Chloro complexes [RuCl(N-N)P3]BPh4 (1-3) [N-N = 2,2'-bipyridine, bpy; 1,10-phenanthroline, phen; 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, 5,5'-Me2bpy; P = P(OEt)3, PPh(OEt)2 and PPh2OEt] were prepared by allowing the [RuCl4(N-N)].H2O compounds to react with an excess of phosphite in ethanol. The bis(bipyridine) [RuCl(bpy)2[P(OEt)3]]BPh4 (7) complex was also prepared by reacting RuCl2(bpy)2.2H2O with phosphite and ethanol. Treatment of the chloro complexes 1-3 and 7 with NaBH4 yielded the hydride [RuH(N-N)P3]BPh4 (4-6) and [RuH(bpy)2P]BPh4 (8) derivatives, which were characterized spectroscopically and by the X-ray crystal structure determination of [RuH(bpy)[P(OEt)3]3]BPh4 (4a). Protonation reaction of the new hydrides with Br?nsted acid was studied and led to dicationic [Ru(eta2-H2)(N-N)P3]2+ (9, 10) and [Ru(eta(2-H2)(bpy)2P]2+ (11) dihydrogen derivatives. The presence of the eta2-H2 ligand was indicated by a short T(1 min) value and by the measurements of the J(HD) in the [Ru](eta2-HD) isotopomers. From T(1 min) and J(HD) values the H-H distances of the dihydrogen complexes were also calculated. A series of ruthenium complexes, [RuL(N-N)P3](BPh4)2 and [RuL(bpy)2P](BPh4)2 (P = P(OEt)3; L = H2O, CO, 4-CH3C6H4NC, CH3CN, 4-CH3C6H4CN, PPh(OEt)2], was prepared by substituting the labile eta2-H2 ligand in the 9, 10, 11 derivatives. The reactions of the new hydrides 4-6 and 8 with both mono- and bis(aryldiazonium) cations were studied and led to aryldiazene [Ru(C6H5N=NH)(N-N)P3](BPh4)2 (19, 21), [[Ru(N-N)P3]2(mu-4,4'-NH=NC6H4-C6H4N=NH)](BPh4)4 (20), and [Ru(C6H5N=NH)(bpy)2P](BPh4)2 (22) derivatives. Also the heteroallenes CO2 and CS2 reacted with [RuH(bpy)2P]BPh4, yielding the formato [Ru[eta1-OC(H)=O](bpy)2P]BPh4 and dithioformato [Ru[eta1-SC(H)=S](bpy)2P]BPh4 derivatives.     

Photoinduced energy- and electron-transfer processes in dinuclear Ru(II)-Os(II), Ru(II)-Os(III), and Ru(III)-Os(II) trisbipyridine complexes containing a shape-persistent macrocyclic spacer.

The PF6- salt of the dinuclear [(bpy)2Ru(1)Os(bpy)2]4+ complex, where 1 is a phenylacetylene macrocycle which incorporates two 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) chelating units in opposite sites of its shape-persistent structure, was prepared. In acetonitrile solution, the Ru- and Os-based units display their characteristic absorption spectra and electrochemical properties as in the parent homodinuclear compounds. The luminescence spectrum, however, shows that the emission band of the Ru(II) unit is almost completely quenched with concomitant sensitization of the emission of the Os(II) unit. Electronic energy transfer from the Ru(II) to the Os(II) unit takes place by two distinct processes (k(en) = 2.0x10(8) and 2.2x10(7) s(-1) at 298 K). Oxidation of the Os(II) unit of [(bpy)2Ru(1)Os(bpy)2]4+ by Ce(IV) or nitric acid leads quantitatively to the [(bpy)2Ru(II)(1)Os(III)(bpy)2]5+ complex which exhibits a bpy-to-Os(III) charge-transfer band at 720 nm (epsilon(max) = 250 M(-1) cm(-1)). Light excitation of the Ru(II) unit of [(bpy)2Ru(II)(1)Os(III)(bpy)2]5+ is followed by electron transfer from the Ru(II) to the Os(III) unit (k(el,f) = 1.6x10(8) and 2.7x10(7) s(-1)), resulting in the transient formation of the [(bpy)2Ru(III)(1)Os(II)(bpy)2]5+ complex. The latter species relaxes to the [(bpy)2Ru(II)(1)Os(III)(bpy)2]5+ one by back electron transfer (k(el,b) = 9.1x10(7) and 1.2x10(7) s(-1)). The biexponential decays of the [(bpy)2*Ru(II)(1)Os(II)(bpy)2]4+, [(bpy)2*Ru(II)(1)Os(III)(bpy)2]5+, and [(bpy)2Ru(III)(1)Os(II)(bpy)2]5+ species are related to the presence of two conformers, as expected because of the steric hindrance between hydrogen atoms of the pyridine and phenyl rings. Comparison of the results obtained with those previously reported for other Ru-Os polypyridine complexes shows that the macrocyclic ligand 1 is a relatively poor conducting bridge.     

Underlying spin-orbit coupling structure of intervalence charge transfer bands in dinuclear polypyridyl complexes of ruthenium and osmium

The mixed-valence systems meso- and rac-[{M(bpy)2}2(mu-BL)]5+ {M = Ru, Os; BL = a series of polypyridyl bridging ligands such as 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)benzoquinoxaline (dpb)} are characterized by multiple intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) and interconfigurational (IC) bands in the mid-infrared and near-infrared (NIR) regions. Differences in the relative energies of the IC transitions for the fully oxidized (+6) states of the osmium systems demonstrate that stereochemical effects lead to fundamental changes in the energy levels of the metal-based dpi orbitals, which are split by spin-orbit coupling and ligand-field asymmetry. An increase in the separation between the IC bands as BL is varied reflects the increase in the degree of electronic coupling through the series of ruthenium and osmium complexes. The increase in the IVCT bandwidths for the former is therefore attributed to the increase in the separation of the three underlying components of the bands. Stark effect measurements reveal small dipole moment changes accompanying IVCT excitation in support of the localized-to-delocalized or delocalized classification for the dinuclear ruthenium and osmium systems.     

Metal-assisted unusual hydroxylation at the carbon atom of the triazine ring in dinuclear ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes bridged by 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine: synthesis, structural characterization, stereochemistry, and electrochemical studies

The reaction of cis-[M(bpy)2Cl2] (M = Ru(II), and Os(II) with 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (tptz) in refluxing ethanol-water resulted in the formation of dinuclear complexes of the composition [(M(bpy)2)2(tptz-OH)](PF6)3.nH2O (n = 1 for Ru and n = 0 for Os). In this reaction an unusual metal-induced hydroxylation at the carbon atom of the triazine ring of bridged tptz occurred. However, hydroxylation did not occur in the corresponding mononuclear complexes under similar reaction condition. A comparative study revealed that sufficient electrophilicity on the carbon atom and free movement of the attached pyridyl ring promoted the hydroxylation reaction. The hydroxylated dinuclear complexes exist in two stereoisomeric forms, a rac form (delta delta/lambda lambda) and a meso form (delta lambda/lambda delta). Both diastereoisomers have been isolated in pure form and characterized. The molecular structures of the rac form of Ru(II) complex (3-II) and meso form of the Os(II) complex (4-I) have been established by single-crystal X-ray studies. Crystal data: complex 3-II, monoclinic, C2/c, a = 24.584(7) A, b = 14.309(4) A, c = 41.044(13) A, beta = 92.84(2) degrees, V = 14420.0(7) A3, Z = 8, R = 0.179, wR2 = 0.479; complex 4-I, triclinic, P1, a = 13.444(7) A, b = 14.576(5) A, c = 19.641(7) A, alpha = 98.21(3) degrees, beta = 101.67(4) degrees, gamma = 105.80(4) degrees, V = 3546.0(3) A3, Z = 2, R = 0.093, wR2 = 0.279. The poor data quality of 3-II did not allow anisotropic refinement of non-hydrogen atoms except Ru and P. A PLUTO drawing of this compound is given only to support the molecular structure. 1H NMR data have been used to characterize the diastereoisomers. The dinuclear complexes exhibit unusual electrochemical behavior; cathodic shifts of the metal-centered oxidations and ligand-based first reduction compared to mononuclear complexes have been observed. There is a splitting in the metal-centered oxidation potentials, indicating strong electronic communication between the metal centers. Comproportionation constants (Kcom) of the mixed-valence species have been calculated; the values are in the range 6.03 x 10(4)-4.7 x 10(6). It appears that a metal-metal interaction occurred by an electron-transfer mode across the low-lying pi* orbital of the bridged tptz.     

Proton-driven self-assembled systems based on cyclam-cored dendrimers and [Ru(bpy)(CN)4]2-

1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam), which is one of the most extensively investigated ligands in coordination chemistry, in its protonated forms, can play the role of host toward cyanide metal complexes. We have investigated the acid-driven adducts formed in acetonitrile-dichloromethane (1:1 v/v) solution by [Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-) with 1,4,8,11-tetrakis(naphthylmethyl)cyclam (1) and a dendrimer consisting of a cyclam core appended with 12 dimethoxybenzene and 16 naphthyl units (2). [Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-), 1, and 2 exhibit characteristic absorption and emission bands, in distinct spectral regions, that are strongly affected by addition of acid. When a solution containing equimolar amounts of [Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-) and 1 or 2 is titrated by trifluoroacetic acid, or when [Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-) is titrated with (1.2H)2+ or (2.2H)2+, [[Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-).(2H+).1] or [[Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-).(2H+).2] adducts are formed in which the fluorescence of the naphthyl units is strongly quenched by very efficient energy transfer to the metal complex, as shown by the sensitized luminescence of the latter. The [[Ru(bpy)(CN)4]2-.(2H+).1] and [[Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-).(2H+).2] adducts can be disrupted (i) by addition of a base (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), yielding the starting species [Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-) and 1 or 2, or (ii) by further addition of triflic acid, with formation of (1.2H)2+ or (2.2H)2+ and protonated forms of [Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-). It is shown that upon stimulation with two chemical inputs (acid and base) both [[Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-).(2H+).1] and [[Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-).(2H+).2] exhibit two distinct optical outputs (a naphthalene-based and a Ru(bpy)-based emission) that behave according to an XOR and an XNOR logic, respectively.     

Probing the electronic structures of coordination compounds by transient spectral hole-burning. Applications to specifically deuterated [Ru(bpy)3]2+ complexes

Transient spectral hole-burning (THB), a powerful technique for probing the electronic structures of coordination compounds, is applied to the lowest excited 3MLCT states of specifically deuterated [Ru(bpy)3]2+ complexes doped into crystals of racemic [Zn(bpy)3](ClO4)2. Results are consistent with and complementary to conclusions reached from excitation-line-narrowing experiments. Two sets of 3MLCT transitions are observed in conventional spectroscopy of [Ru(bpy-d(n))(3-x)(bpy-d(m))x]2+ (x = 1, 2; n = 0, 2; m = 2, 8; n not = m) complexes doped into [Zn(bpy)3](ClO4)2. The two sets coincide with the 3MLCT transitions observed for the homoleptic [Ru(bpy-d(m))3]2+ and [Ru(bpy-d(n))3]2+ complexes and can thus be assigned to localized 3MLCT transitions to the bpy-d(m) and bpy-d(n) ligands. The THB experiments presented in this paper exclude a two-site hypothesis. When spectral holes are burnt at 1.8 K into 3MLCT transitions associated with the bpy and bpy-d2 ligands in [Ru(bpy)(bpy-d8)2]2+, [Ru(bpy)2(bpy-d8)]2+, and [Ru(bpy-d2)2(bpy-d8)]2+, side holes appear in the 3MLCT transitions associated with the bpy-d8 ligands approximately 40 and approximately 30 cm(-1) higher in energy. Since energy transfer to sites 40 or 30 cm(-1) higher in energy cannot occur at 1.8 K, the experiments unequivocally establish that the two sets of 3MLCT transitions observed for [Ru(bpy-d(n))(3-x)(bpy-d(m))x]2+ (x = 1, 2) complexes in [Zn(bpy)3](ClO4)2 occur on one molecular cation.     

Interplay of cubic building blocks in (et6-arene)ruthenium-containing tungsten and molybdenum oxides

A series of molybdenum and tungsten organometallic oxides containing [Ru(arene)]2+ units (arene =p-cymene, C6Me6) was obtained by condensation of [[Ru(arene)Cl2]2] with oxomolybdates and oxotungstates in aqueous or nonaqueous solvents. The crystal structures of [[Ru(eta6-C6Me6]]4W4O16], [[Ru(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr]]4W2O10], [[[Ru-(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)]2(mu-OH)3]2][[Ru(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)]2W8O28(OH)2[Ru(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)(H2O)]2], and [[Ru(eta6-C6Me6)]2M5O18[Ru(eta6-C6Me6)(H2O)]] (M = Mo, W) have been determined. While the windmill-type clusters [[Ru(eta6-arene)]4(MO3)4(mu3-O)4] (M = Mo, W; arene =p-MeC6H4iPr, C6Me6), the face-sharing double cubane-type cluster [[Ru(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)]4(WO2)2(mu3-O)4(mu4-O)2], and the dimeric cluster [[Ru(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)(WO3)3(mu3-O)3(mu3-OH)Ru(eta6-pMeC6H4iPr)(H2O)]2(mu-WO2)2]2- are based on cubane-like units, [(Ru(eta6-C6Me6)]2M5O18[Ru(eta6-C6Me6)(H2O)]] (M = Mo, W) are more properly described as lacunary Lindqvist-type polyoxoanions supporting three ruthenium centers. Precubane clusters [[Ru(eta6-arene)](MO3)2(mu-O)3(mu3-O)]6- are possible intermediates in the formation of these clusters. The cluster structures are retained in solution, except for [[Ru(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)]4Mo4O16], which isomerizes to the triple-cubane form.     

meso-[{Ru(phen)2}2(mu-HAT)]4+: a high-affinity DNA hairpin probe {HAT = 1,4,5,8,9,12-hexaazatriphenylene; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline}

1H NMR spectroscopy and fluorescent intercalator displacement (FID) assays have been used to investigate the DNA-binding abilities of two series of dinuclear polypyridyl ruthenium(II) complexes of the form [{Ru(L)2}2(mu-BL)]4+ {L = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (Me2bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), or 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Me2phen); BL = 2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpm) or 1,4,5,8,9,12-hexaazatriphenylene (HAT)}. Preliminary FID surveys of these metal complexes against a variety of different oligonucleotides revealed that those complexes based upon the HAT bridging ligand induced greater fluorescence decreases in dye-bound DNA than did their bpm-bridged counterparts, suggesting a higher binding affinity by the HAT-bridged species. Furthermore, the greatest fluorescence decreases were typically observed in an oligonucleotide featuring a six-base hairpin loop. The apparent binding affinity of the metal complexes was also found to be a function of the stereochemistry and identity of the terminal ligands of the complex. The meso (DeltaLambda) stereoisomer generally induced greater fluorescence decreases than did either enantiomer (DeltaDelta or LambdaLambda), phen-based terminal ligands performed better than bpy-based terminal ligands, and those terminal ligands with methyl substituents demonstrated stronger apparent binding than did their non-methylated analogues. NMR experiments on meso-[{Ru(phen)2}2(mu-HAT)]4+ and meso-[{Ru(Me2phen)2}2(mu-HAT)]4+ demonstrated that both complexes bound with high affinity to the six-base hairpin oligonucleotide at the stem-loop interface and provided evidence to support stronger binding by the methylated species. meso-[{Ru(phen)2}2(mu-HAT)]4+ was found to bind poorly to duplex DNA and smaller four-base hairpin loops in FID and NMR experiments, whereas FID data suggest that the methylated analogue binds relatively strongly to most oligonucleotide sequences (the four- and six-base hairpins in particular). These results demonstrate that binding affinity can come at the expense of selectivity, with meso-[{Ru(phen)2}2(mu-HAT)]4+ proving to be an efficient compromise between the two as a high-affinity DNA hairpin probe.     

An unusual dinuclear ruthenium(III) complex with a conjugated bridging ligand derived from cleavage of a 1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine ring. Synthesis,structure, and UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemical characterization of a five-membered redox chain incorporating two mixed-valence states

Reaction of [Ru(acac)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)] with 3,6-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (H(2)L) results in formation of an unexpected dinuclear complex [(acac)(2)Ru(III)(L(1))Ru(III)(acac)(2)] (1) in which the bridging ligand [L(1)](2)(-) contains an (-)HN[bond]C[double bond]N[bond]N[double bond]C[bond]NH(-) unit arising from two-electron reduction of the 1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine component of H(2)L. The crystal structure of complex 1 confirms the oxidation assignment of the metal ions as Ru(III) and clearly shows the consequent arrangement of double and single bonds in the bridging ligand, which acts as a bis-bidentate chelate having two pyrazolyl/amido chelating sites. Cyclic voltammetry of the complex shows the presence of four reversible one-electron redox couples, assigned as two Ru(III)/Ru(IV) couples (oxidations with respect to the starting material) and two Ru(II)/Ru(III) couples (reductions with respect to the starting material). The separation between the two Ru(III)/Ru(IV) couples (Delta E(1/2) = 700 mV) is much larger than that between the two Ru(II)/Ru(III) couples (Delta E(1/2) = 350 mV) across the same bridging pathway, because of the better ability of the dianionic bridging ligand to delocalize an added hole (in the oxidized mixed-valence state) than an added electron (in the reduced mixed-valence state), implying some ligand-centered character for the oxidations. UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemical measurements were performed in all five oxidation states; the Ru(II)-Ru(III) mixed-valence state of [1](-) has a strong IVCT transition at 2360 nm whose parameters give an electronic coupling constant of V(ab) approximately 1100 cm(-1), characteristic of a strongly interacting but localized (class II) mixed-valence state. In the Ru(III)-Ru(IV) mixed-valence state [1](+), no low-energy IVCT could be detected despite the strong electronic interaction, possibly because it is in the visible region and obscured by LMCT bands.     

Mechanistic implications of proton transfer coupled to electron transfer.

The kinetics of electron transfer for the reactions cis-[Ru(IV)(bpy)2(py)(O)]2+ + H+ + [Os(II)(bpy)3]2+ <==> cis-[Ru(III)(bpy)2(py)(OH)]2+ + [Os(III)(bpy)3]3+ and cis-[Ru(III)(bpy)2(py)(OH)]2+ + H+ + [Os(II)(bpy)3]2+ <==> cis-[Ru(II)(bpy)2(py)(H2O)]2+ + [Os(III)(bpy)3]3+ have been studied in both directions by varying the pH from 1 to 8. The kinetics are complex but can be fit to a double "square scheme" involving stepwise electron and proton transfer by including the disproportionation equilibrium, 2cis-[Ru(III)(bpy)2(py)(OH)]2+ <==> (3 x 10(3) M(-1) x s(-1) forward, 2.1 x 10(5) M(-1) x s(-1) reverse) cis-[Ru(IV)(bpy)2(py)(O)]2+ + cis-[Ru(II)(bpy)2(py)(H2O)]2+. Electron transfer is outer-sphere and uncoupled from proton transfer. The kinetic study has revealed (1) pH-dependent reactions where the pH dependence arises from the distribution between acid and base forms and not from variations in the driving force; (2) competing pathways involving initial electron transfer or initial proton transfer whose relative importance depends on pH; (3) a significant inhibition to outer-sphere electron transfer for the Ru(IV)=O2+/Ru(III)-OH2+ couple because of the large difference in pK(a) values between Ru(IV)=OH3+ (pK(a) < 0) and Ru(III)-OH2+ (pK(a) > 14); and (4) regions where proton loss from cis-[Ru(II)(bpy)2(py)(H2O)]2+ or cis-[Ru(III)(bpy)2(py)(OH)]2+ is rate limiting. The difference in pK(a) values favors more complex pathways such as proton-coupled electron transfer.     

Reactivity of calix-tetrapyrrole SmII and SmIII complexes with acetylene: isolation of an "N-confused" calix-tetrapyrrole ring

The nature of the substituents present on the calix-tetrapyrrole tetra-anion ligand [[R2C(C4H2N)]4]4- (R = [-(CH2)5-]0.5, Et) determines the type of reactivity of the corresponding SmII compounds with acetylene. With R = [-(CH2)5-]0.5, dehydrogenation occurred to yield the nearly colorless dinuclear diacetylide complex [[[[-(CH2)5-]4-calix-tetrapyrrole]SmIII]2(mu-C2Li4)].THF as the only detectable reaction product. Conversely, with R = Et, acetylene coupling in addition to dehydrogenation resulted in the formation of a dimeric butatrienediyl enolate derivative [[(Et8-calix-tetrapyrrole)SmIII[Li[Li(thf)]2(mu-OCH=CH2)]]2(mu,eta2,eta'2-HC=C=C=CH)]. Reaction of the trivalent hydride [(Et8-calix-tetrapyrrole)(thf)SmIII[(mu-H)[Li(thf)]]2 or of the terminally bonded methyl derivative [(Et8-calix-tetrapyrrole)(CH3)SmIII[[Li(thf)]2[Li(thf)2](mu3-Cl)]] with acetylene resulted in a mixture of the carbide [[(Et8-calix-tetrapyrrole)SmIII]2(mu-C2Li4)].Et2O with the dimerization product [[(Et8-calix-tetrapyrrole)SmIII[Li[Li(thf)]2(mu3-OCH=CH2)]]2-mu,eta2,eta'2-HC=C=C=CH)]. The same reaction also yielded a third product, a trivalent complex [[(Et8-calix-tetrapyrrole)SmIII[Li(thf)2]]2], in which the macrocycle was isomerized by shifting the ring attachment of one of the four pyrrole rings.     

Mono- and dinuclear ruthenium carbonyl complexes with redox-active dioxolene ligands: electrochemical and spectroscopic studies and the properties of the mixed-valence complexes

The mononuclear complex [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(2)(L(1))] (1; H(2)L(1) = 7,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin) and the dinuclear complexes [[Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(2)](2)(L(2))][PF(6)] [[2][PF(6)]; H(3)L(2) = 9-phenyl-2,3,7-trihydroxy-6-fluorone] and [[Ru(PBu(3))(2)(CO)(2)](2)(L(3))] (3; H(4)L(3) = 1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydroxyanthracene-9,10-dione) have been prepared; all complexes contain one or two trans,cis-[Ru(PR(3))(2)(CO)(2)] units, each connected to a chelating dioxolene-type ligand. In all cases the dioxolene ligands exhibit reversible redox activity, and accordingly the complexes were studied by electrochemistry and UV/vis/NIR, IR, and EPR spectroscopy in their accessible oxidation states. Oxidation of 1 to [1](+) generates a ligand-centered semiquinone radical with some metal character as shown by the IR and EPR spectra. Dinuclear complexes [2](+) and 3 show two reversible ligand-centered couples (one associated with each dioxolene terminus) which are separated by 690 and 440 mV, respectively. This indicates that the mixed-valence species [2](2+) has greater degree of electronic delocalization between the ligand termini than does [3](+), an observation which was supported by IR, EPR, and UV/vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry. Both [2](2+) and [3](+) have a solution EPR spectrum consistent with full delocalization of the unpaired electron between the ligand termini on the EPR time scale (a quintet arising from equal coupling to all four (31)P nuclei); [3](+) is localized on the faster IR time scale (four CO vibrations rather than two, indicative of inequivalent [Ru(CO)(2)] units) whereas [2](2+) is fully delocalized (two CO vibrations). UV/vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry revealed the presence of a narrow, low-energy (2695 nm) transition for [3](+) associated with the catecholate --> semiquinone intervalence transition. The narrowness and solvent-independence of this transition (characteristic of class III mixed-valence character) coupled with evidence for inequivalent [Ru(CO)(2)] termini in the mixed-valence state (characteristic of class II character) place this complex at the class II-III borderline, in contrast to [2](2+) which is clearly class III.