Synthesis,structure, redox property and ligand replacement reaction of ruthenium(II) complexes containing a terpyridyl ligand with a redox active moiety

Ruthenium(II) complexes bearing a redox-active tridentate ligand 4′-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (tpyOMe), analogous to terpyridine, and 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) were synthesized by the sequential replacement of Cl by CH₃CN and CO on the complex. The new ruthenium complexes were characterized by various methods including IR and NMR. The molecular structures of [Ru(tpyOMe)(bpy)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ and two kinds of [Ru(tpyOMe)(bpy)(CO)]²⁺ were determined by X-ray crystallography. The incorporation of monodentate ligands (Cl, CH₃CN and CO) regulated the energy levels of the MLCT transitions and the metal-centered redox potentials of the complexes. The kinetic data observed in this study indicates that the ligand replacement reaction of [Ru(tpyOMe)(bpy)Cl]⁺ to [Ru(tpyOMe)(bpy)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ proceeds by a solvent-assisted dissociation process.     

Selective Preparation of a Heteroleptic Cyclometallated Ruthenium Complex Capable of Undergoing Photosubstitution of a Bidentate Ligand

Cyclometallated ruthenium complexes typically exhibit red-shifted absorption bands and lower photolability compared to their polypyridyl analogues. They also have lower symmetry, which sometimes makes their synthesis challenging. In this work, the coordination of four N,S bidentate ligands, 3-(methylthio)propylamine (mtpa), 2-(methylthio)ethylamine (mtea), 2-(methylthio)ethyl-2-pyridine (mtep), and 2-(methylthio)methylpyridine (mtmp), to the cyclometallated precursor [Ru(bpy)(phpy)(CH₃CN)₂]⁺ (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine, Hphpy=2-phenylpyridine) has been investigated, furnishing the corresponding heteroleptic complexes [Ru(bpy)(phpy)(N,S)]PF₆ ([ 2 ]PF₆–[ 5 ]PF₆, respectively). The stereoselectivity of the synthesis strongly depended on the size of the ring formed by the Ru-coordinated N,S ligand, with [ 2 ]PF₆ and [ 4 ]PF₆ being formed stereoselectively, but [ 3 ]PF₆ and [ 5 ]PF₆ being obtained as mixtures of inseparable isomers. The exact stereochemistry of the air-stable complex [ 4 ]PF₆ was established by a combination of DFT, 2D NMR, and single-crystal X-ray crystallographic studies. Finally, [ 4 ]PF₆ was found to be photosubstitutionally active under irradiation with green light in acetonitrile, which makes it the first cyclometallated ruthenium complex capable of undergoing selective photosubstitution of a bidentate ligand.     

cis–trans Geometrical isomerization of bis(2-pyridinecarboxylato)nitrosylruthenium complex accompanying electrochemical one-electron reduction

cis-[Ru(NO)(CH₃CN)(pyca)₂] and trans-[Ru(NO)(OH)(pyca)₂] (pyca = 2-pyridinecarboxylato) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Electrochemical behaviors of cis-[Ru(NO)(CH₃CN)(pyca)₂] and cis-[Ru(NO)(CH₃O)(pyca)₂] in acetonitrile were studied. These complexes showed two reduction processes in CH₃CN. The controlled potential electrolyses of cis-[Ru(NO)(CH₃O)(pyca)₂] in a methanol–acetonitrile mixed solution were performed at the potential of the first reduction process. trans-[Ru(NO)(CH₃O)(pyca)₂] was isolated from the electrolyzed solution and characterized by IR and CV. The cis–trans geometrical change reaction occurred in the electrochemical one-electron reduction of cis-[Ru(NO)(CH₃O)(pyca)₂].     

Selective formation of trans and cis(CH3CN) isomers of [Ru(bpy)(CO)2(CH3CN)2] (bpy=2,2-bipyridine) from [Ru(CO)2(CH3CN)3]2(PF6)2 using an electrochemical oxidation step

The selective in situ synthesis of trans and cis(CH₃CN)-[Ru(bpy)(CO)₂ (CH₃CN)₂]²⁺ isomers from the same [Ru(CO)₂ (CH₃CN)₃]₂²⁺ dimer precursor but using either an electrochemical-chemical or chemical-electrochemical process is described.     

1-(2′-Pyridylazo)-2-naphtholate complexes of ruthenium: Synthesis,characterization, and DNA binding properties

Reaction of 1-(2′-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (Hpan) with [Ru(dmso)₄Cl₂] (dmso = dimethylsulfoxide), [Ru(trpy)Cl₃] (trpy = 2,2′,2″-terpyridine), [Ru(bpy)Cl₃] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) and [Ru(PPh₃)₃Cl₂] in refluxing ethanol in the presence of a base (NEt₃) affords, respectively, the [Ru(pan)₂], [Ru(trpy)(pan)]⁺ (isolated as perchlorate salt), [Ru(bpy)(pan)Cl] and [Ru(PPh₃)₂(pan)Cl] complexes. Structures of these four complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. In each of these complexes, the pan ligand is coordinated to the metal center as a monoanionic tridentate N,N,O-donor. Reaction of the [Ru(bpy)(pan)Cl] complex with pyridine (py) and 4-picoline (pic) in the presence of silver ion has yielded the [Ru(bpy)(pan)(py)]⁺ and [Ru(bpy)(pan)(pic)]⁺ complexes (isolated as perchlorate salts), respectively. All the complexes are diamagnetic (low-spin d⁶, S = 0) and show characteristic ¹H NMR signals and intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. Cyclic voltammetry on all the complexes shows a Ru(II)–Ru(III) oxidation on the positive side of SCE. Except in the [Ru(pan)₂] complex, a second oxidative response has been observed in the other five complexes. Reductions of the coordinated ligands have also been observed on the negative side of SCE. The [Ru(trpy)(pan)]ClO₄, [Ru(bpy)(pan)(py)]ClO₄ and [Ru(bpy)(pan)(pic)]ClO₄ complexes have been observed to bind to DNA, but they have not been able to cleave super-coiled DNA on UV irradiation.     

Regulation of electron donating ability to metal center: isolation and characterization of ruthenium carbonyl complexes with N,N- and/or N,O-donor polypyridyl ligands

Polypyridyl ruthenium(II) dicarbonyl complexes with an N,O- and/or N,N-donor ligand, [Ru(pic)(CO)₂Cl₂]⁻ (1), [Ru(bpy)(pic)(CO)₂]⁺ (2), [Ru(pic)₂(CO)₂] (3), and [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)₂]²⁺ (4) (pic=2-pyridylcarboxylato, bpy=2,2′-bipyridine) were prepared for comparison of the electron donor ability of these ligands to the ruthenium center. A carbonyl group of [Ru(L1)(L2)(CO)₂]ⁿ (L1, L2=bpy, pic) successively reacted with one and two equivalents of OH⁻ to form [Ru(L1)(L2)(CO)(C(O)OH)]ⁿ⁻¹ and [Ru(L1)(L2)(CO)(CO₂)]ⁿ⁻². These three complexes exist as equilbrium mixtures in aqueous solutions and the equilibrium constants were determined potentiometrically. Electrochemical reduction of 2 in CO₂-saturated CH₃CN–H₂O at −1.5 V selectively produced CO.     

Bio-catalysts and catalysts based on ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes imparting diphenyl-(2-pyridyl)-phosphine as a co-ligand

Reactions of the ruthenium complexes [Ru(κ³-tpy)(PPh₃)Cl₂], [Ru(κ³-tptz)(PPh₃)Cl₂] and [Ru(κ³-tpy)Cl₃] [tpy = 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine; tptz = 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine] with diphenyl-(2-pyridyl)-phosphine (PPh₂Py) have been investigated. The complexes [Ru(κ³-tpy)(PPh₃)Cl₂] and [Ru(κ³-tptz)(PPh₃)Cl₂] reacted with PPh₂Py to afford [Ru(κ³-tpy)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂Cl]⁺ (1) and [Ru(κ³-tptz)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂Cl]⁺ (2), which were isolated as their tetrafluoroborate salts. Under analogous conditions, [Ru(κ³-tpy)Cl₃] gave a neutral complex [Ru(κ³-tpy)(κ¹-PPh₂Py)Cl₂] (3). Upon treatment with an excess of NH₄PF₆ in methanol, 1 and 2 gave [Ru(κ³-tpy)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)(κ²-P,N-PPh₂Py)](PF₆)₂ (4) and [Ru(κ³-tptz)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)(κ²-P,N-PPh₂Py)](PF₆)₂ (5) containing both monodentate and chelated PPh₂Py. Further, 4 and 5 reacted with an excess of NaCN and CH₃CN to afford [Ru(κ³-tpy)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂(CN)](PF₆) (6), [Ru(κ³-tpy)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂(NCCH₃)](PF₆)₂ (7), [Ru(κ³-tptz)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂(CN)]PF₆ (8) and [Ru(κ³-tptz)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂(NCCH₃)](PF₆)₂ (9) supporting hemi labile nature of the coordinated PPh₂Py. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, spectral (IR, NMR, electronic absorption, FAB-MS), electrochemical studies and structures of 1, 2 and 3 determined by X-ray single crystal analyses. At higher concentration level (40 μM) the complexes under investigation exhibit inhibitory activity against DNA-Topo II of the filarial parasite S. cervi and 3 catalyses rearrangement of aldoximes to amide under aerobic conditions.     

Reactivity of triazolyl Schiff bases with Ru(II)-2,2′-bipyridyl: Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization of isomers and their photo-physical properties

The condensation of 3-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazole with benzaldehyde and terephthalaldehyde provides the bidentate and tetradentate Schiff bases 1,2,4-triazolo-3-imino-benzene L¹H and 1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazolo-3-imino)benzene L²H₂, respectively. The well characterized Schiff bases were allowed to react with cis-Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂ · 2H₂O. Isomers of the mononuclear complexes Ru(bpy)₂L¹]PF₆ · NH₄PF₆ (1a, N4) and [Ru(bpy)₂L¹]PF₆ · 0.5NH₄PF₆ (1b, N2), and the dinuclear Ru(II) complexes [Ru(bpy)₂L²Ru(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ · NH₄PF₆ (2a, N4N4), [Ru(bpy)₂L²Ru(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ · NH₄PF₆ · 2H₂O (2b, N2N2) and [Ru(bpy)₂L²Ru(bpy)₂](PF₆)₃ · NH₄PF₆ (2c, Ru(II)-Ru(III)) were separated by column chromatography and characterized by their elemental analysis, FAB mass and spectral (IR, NMR, UV–Vis) data. The data obtained suggest that the ligands are bound to the metal centre via the N4 and N2 atoms of the triazole moiety along with the N (imine) atom. The complexes display metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) transitions in the visible region from the dπ(Ru^II) → π^∗L transition. Highly intense ligand-based π→π^∗ transitions are observed in the UV region. A dual emission occurs from the N2 and N2N2 isomers.     

Strong Ligand Stabilization Based on π-Extension in a Series of Ruthenium Terpyridine Water Oxidation Catalysts

The substitution behavior of the monodentate Cl ligand of a series of ruthenium(II) terpyridine complexes (terpyridine (tpy)=2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine) has been investigated. ¹H NMR kinetic experiments of the dissociation of the chloro ligand in D₂O for the complexes [Ru(tpy)(bpy)Cl]Cl ( 1 , bpy=2,2’-bipyridine) and [Ru(tpy)(dppz)Cl]Cl ( 2 , dppz=dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine) as well as the binuclear complex [Ru(bpy)₂(tpphz)Ru(tpy)Cl]Cl₃ ( 3 b , tpphz=tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c:3′′,2′′-h:2′′′,3′′′-j]phenazine) were conducted, showing increased stability of the chloride ligand for compounds 2 and 3 due to the extended π-system. Compounds 1 – 5 ( 4 =[Ru(tbbpy)₂(tpphz)Ru(tpy)Cl](PF₆)₃, 5 =[Ru(bpy)₂(tpphz)Ru(tpy)(C₃H₈OS)/(H₂O)](PF₆)₃, tbbpy=4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine) are tested for their ability to run water oxidation catalysis (WOC) using cerium(IV) as sacrificial oxidant. The WOC experiments suggest that the stability of monodentate (chloride) ligand strongly correlates to catalytic performance, which follows the trend 1 > 2 > 5 ≥ 3 > 4 . This is also substantiated by quantum chemical calculations, which indicate a stronger binding for the chloride ligand based on the extended π-systems in compounds 2 and 3 . Additionally, a theoretical model of the mechanism of the oxygen evolution of compounds 1 and 2 is presented; this suggests no differences in the elementary steps of the catalytic cycle within the bpy to the dppz complex, thus suggesting that differences in the catalytic performance are indeed based on ligand stability. Due to the presence of a photosensitizer and a catalytic unit, binuclear complexes 3 and 4 were tested for photocatalytic water oxidation. The bridging ligand architecture, however, inhibits the effective electron-transfer cascade that would allow photocatalysis to run efficiently. The findings of this study can elucidate critical factors in catalyst design.     

Electropolymerization of [Ru(bpy)(CO)2Cl2] (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine: a revisited trans versus cis(Cl) isomeric influence study

The mono-bipyridine bis carbonyl complex [Ru(bpy)(CO)₂Cl₂] exists in two stereoisomeric forms having a trans(Cl)/cis(CO) (1) and cis(Cl)/cis(CO) (2) configuration. In previous work we reported that only the trans(Cl)/cis(CO) isomer 1 leads by a two-electron reduction to the formation of [Ru(bpy)(CO)₂]_n polymeric film on an electrode surface. This initial statement was overstated, as both isomers allowed the build up of polymers. A detailed comparison of the electropolymerization of both isomers is reported here, as well as the reduction into dimers of parent stereoisomer [Ru(bpy)(CO)₂(C(O)OMe)Cl] complexes 3 and 4 obtained as side products during the synthesis of 1 and 2.     

Synthesis,characterization, electrochemical and photophysical properties of bimetallic complexes of rhenium(I) and osmium(II)

Monometallic and bimetallic diimine complexes of rhenium(I) and osmium(II), [(CO)₃(bpy)Re(4,4′-bpy)](PF₆) I, [(CO)₃(bpy)Re(4,4′-bpy)Re(bpy)(CO)₃](PF₆)₂II, [Cl(bpy)₂Os(4,4′-bpy)](PF₆) III and [Cl(bpy)₂Os(4,4′-bpy)Os(bpy)₂Cl](PF₆)₂IV, and a new heterobimetallic complex of rhenium(I) and osmium(II) [(CO)₃(bpy)Re(4,4′-bpy)Os(bpy)Cl](PF₆)₂V (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; 4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by various spectral techniques. The photophysical properties of all the complexes have been studied and a comparison is made between the heterobimetallic and corresponding monometallic and homobimetallic complexes. Emission and transient absorption spectral studies reveal that excited state energy transfer from the rhenium(I) chromophore (∗Re) to osmium(II) takes place. The energy transfer rate constant is found to be 8.7 × 10⁷ s⁻¹.     

Nucleophilic substitution reactions at the Si-Cl bonds of the dichloro(methyl)silyl ligand in five- and six-coordinate complexes of ruthenium(II) and osmium(II)

Treatment of either RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₃ or MPhCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ with HSiMeCl₂ produces the five-coordinate dichloro(methyl)silyl complexes, M(SiMeCl₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (1a, M = Ru; 1b, M = Os). 1a and 1b react readily with hydroxide ions and with ethanol to give M(SiMe[OH]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (2a, M = Ru; 2b, M = Os) and M(SiMe[OEt]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (3a, M = Ru; 3b, M = Os), respectively. 3b adds CO to form the six-coordinate complex, Os(SiMe[OEt]₂)Cl(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (4b) and crystal structure determinations of 3b and 4b reveal very different Os-Si distances in the five-coordinate complex (2.3196(11) Å) and in the six-coordinate complex (2.4901(8) Å). Reaction between 1a and 1b and 8-aminoquinoline results in displacement of a triphenylphosphine ligand and formation of the six-coordinate chelate complexes M(SiMeCl₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)(κ²(N,N)-NC₉H₆NH₂-8) (5a, M = Ru; 5b, M = Os), respectively. Crystal structure determination of 5a reveals that the amino function of the chelating 8-aminoquinoline ligand is located adjacent to the reactive Si-Cl bonds of the dichloro(methyl)silyl ligand but no reaction between these functions is observed. However, 5a and 5b react readily with ethanol to give ultimately M(SiMe[OEt]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)(κ²(N,N-NC₉H₆NH₂-8) (6a, M = Ru; 6b, M = Os). In the case of ruthenium only, the intermediate ethanolysis product Ru(SiMeCl[OEt])Cl(CO)(PPh₃)(κ²(N,N-NC₉H₆NH₂-8) (6c) was also isolated. The crystal structure of 6c was determined. Reaction between 1b and excess 2-aminopyridine results in condensation between the Si-Cl bonds and the N-H bonds with formation of a novel tridentate “NSiN” ligand in the complex Os(κ³(Si,N,N)-SiMe[NH(2-C₅H₄N)]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃) (7b). Crystal structure determination of 7b shows that the “NSiN” ligand coordinates to osmium with a “facial” arrangement and with chloride trans to the silyl ligand.     

Synthesis of heteroleptic bis(diimine)carbonylchlororuthenium(II) complexes from photodecarbonylated precursors

The reactions of bidentate diimine ligands (L2) with binuclear [Ru(L1)(CO)Cl2]2 complexes [L1 not equal to L2 = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (4,4'-Me2bpy), 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (5,5'-Me2bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (4,7-Me2phen), 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (5,6-Me2phen), di(2-pyridyl)ketone (dpk), di(2-pyridyl)amine (dpa)] result in cleavage of the dichloride bridge and the formation of cationic [Ru(L1)(L2)(CO)Cl]+ complexes. In addition to spectroscopic characterization, the structures of the [Ru(bpy)(phen)(CO)Cl]+, [Ru(4,4'-Me2bpy)(5,6-Me2phen)(CO)Cl]+ (as two polymorphs), [Ru(4,4'-Me2bpy)(4,7-Me2phen)(CO)Cl]+, [Ru(bpy)(dpa)(CO)Cl]+, [Ru(5,5'-Me2bpy)(dpa)(CO)Cl]+, [Ru(bpy)(dpk)(CO)Cl]+, and [Ru(4,4'-Me2bpy)(dpk)(CO)Cl]+ cations were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. In each case, the structurally characterized complex had the carbonyl ligand trans to a nitrogen from the incoming diimine ligand, these complexes corresponding to the main isomers isolated from the reaction mixtures. The synthesis of [Ru(4,4'-Me2bpy)(5,6-Me2bpy)(CO)(NO3)]+ from [Ru(4,4'-Me2bpy)(5,6-Me2bpy)(CO)Cl]+ and AgNO3 demonstrates that exchange of the chloro ligand can be achieved.     

Preparation and Structural Characterization of [CpRu(1,10-phenanthroline)(CH3CN)][X] and Precursor Complexes (X=PF6, BArF,TRISPHAT-N)

Cationic [Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)(CH₃CN)₃]⁺ complex, tris(acetonitrile)(cyclopentadienyl)ruthenium(II), gives rise to a very rich organometallic chemistry. Combined with diimine ligands, and 1,10-phenanthroline in particular, this system efficiently catalyzes diazo decomposition processes to generate metal-carbenes which undergo a series of original transformations in the presence of Lewis basic substrates. Herein, syntheses and characterizations of [CpRu(Phen)(L)] complexes with (large) lipophilic non-coordinating (PF₆⁻ and BAr_F⁻) and coordinating TRISPHAT-N⁻ anions are reported. Complex [CpRu(η⁶-naphthalene)][BAr_F] ( [1][BAr_F] ) is readily accessible, in high yield, by direct counterion exchange between [1][PF₆] and sodium tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate (NaBAr_F) salts. Ligand exchange of [1][BAr_F] in acetonitrile generated stable [Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)(CH₃CN)₃][BAr_F] ( [2][BAr_F] ) complex in high yield. Then, the desired [CpRu(Phen)(CH₃CN)] ( [3] ) complexes were obtained from either the [1] or [2] complex in the presence of the 1,10-phenanthroline as ligand. For characterization and comparison purposes, the anionic hemilabile ligand TRISPHAT−N (TTN) was introduced on the ruthenium center, from the complex [3][PF₆] , to quantitatively generate the desired complex [CpRu(Phen)(TTN)] ( [4] ) by displacement of the remaining acetonitrile ligand and of the PF₆⁻ anion. Solid state structures of complexes [1][BAr_F] , [2][BAr_F] , [3][BAr_F] , [3][PF₆] and [4] were determined by X-ray diffraction studies and are discussed herein.     

A general route for the synthesis of hydrido-carboxylate complexes of the type MH(CO)(κ-OCOR)(PPh3)2 [M = Ru,Os; R = CH3, CH2Cl,C6H5, CH(CH3)2] and their use as precatalysts for hydrogenation and hydroformylation reactions

The synthesis and solid-state IR, ¹H and ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopic characterization of complexes of the type MH(CO)(κ³-OCOR)(PPh₃)₂ [M = Ru, Os; R = CH₃, CH₂Cl, C₆H₅ and CH(CH₃)₂] are reported in this paper. These compounds were obtained by reaction of the respective cationic complex [MH(CO)(NCMe)₂(PPh₃)₂]BF₄ with the sodium salt of the corresponding carboxylic acid in a 1:1 v/v dichloromethane/methanol solution at room temperature. The spectroscopic data of these complexes and some DFT calculations reveal an octahedral geometry with a bidentated carboxylate, two equivalent triphenylphosphines in a mutually trans positions, a linear hydride and a linear carbonyl both in the cis-positions of the coordination sphere. The catalytic results indicate that these complexes are efficient and regioselective precatalysts for the quinoline hydrogenation and for the hydroformylation of 1-hexene, under mild reaction conditions (130 °C and 4 atm H₂ and 120 °C and 15 atm H₂/CO, respectively). For benzothiophene hydrogenation, the osmium complexes showed low activities whereas the analogous ruthenium complexes were catalytically inactive under somewhat more drastic reaction conditions to those of the quinoline hydrogenation (140 °C and 10 atm H₂).     

New cationic palladium (II) and rhodium (I) complexes of [Ph2PCH2C(Ph)N(2,6-Me2C6H3)]

Treatment of the bulky iminophosphine ligand [Ph₂PCH₂C(Ph)N(2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)] (L) with [M(CH₃CN)₂(ligand)]⁺ⁿ, where for M = Pd(II): ligand = η³-allyl, n = 1, and for M = Rh(I), ligand: 2(C₂H₄), 2(CO) or cod, n = 0, yields the mono-cationic iminophosphine complexes [Pd(η³-C₃H₅)(L)][BF₄] (1), [Rh(cod)(L)][BF₄] (2), [Rh(CO)(CH₃CN)(L)][BF₄] (3), and cis-[Rh(L)₂][BF₄] (4). All the new complexes have been characterised by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 shows moderate activity in the copolymerisation of CO and ethene but is inactive towards Heck coupling of 4-bromoacetophenone and n-butyl acrylate.     

Unexpected effect of catalyst concentration on photochemical CO2 reduction by trans(Cl)–Ru(bpy)(CO)2Cl2: new mechanistic insight into the CO/HCOO– selectivity

Photochemical CO₂ reduction catalysed by trans(Cl)–Ru(bpy)(CO)₂Cl₂ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) efficiently produces carbon monoxide (CO) and formate (HCOO^–) in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA)/water containing [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ as a photosensitizer and 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide (BNAH) as an electron donor. We have unexpectedly found catalyst concentration dependence of the product ratio (CO/HCOO^–) in the photochemical CO₂ reduction: the ratio of CO/HCOO^– decreases with increasing catalyst concentration. The result has led us to propose a new mechanism in which HCOO^– is selectively produced by the formation of a Ru(i)–Ru(i) dimer as the catalyst intermediate. This reaction mechanism predicts that the Ru–Ru bond dissociates in the reaction of the dimer with CO₂, and that the insufficient electron supply to the catalyst results in the dominant formation of HCOO^–. The proposed mechanism is supported by the result that the time-course profiles of CO and HCOO^– in the photochemical CO₂ reduction catalysed by [Ru(bpy)(CO)₂Cl]₂ (0.05 mM) are very similar to those of the reduction catalysed by trans(Cl)–Ru(bpy)(CO)₂Cl₂ (0.10 mM), and that HCOO^– formation becomes dominant under low-intensity light. The kinetic analyses based on the proposed mechanism could excellently reproduce the unusual catalyst concentration effect on the product ratio. The catalyst concentration effect observed in the photochemical CO₂ reduction using [Ru(4dmbpy)₃]²⁺ (4dmbpy = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) instead of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ as the photosensitizer is also explained with the kinetic analyses, reflecting the smaller quenching rate constant of excited [Ru(4dmbpy)₃]²⁺ by BNAH than that of excited [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺. We have further synthesized trans(Cl)–Ru(6Mes-bpy)(CO)₂Cl₂ (6Mes-bpy = 6,6′-dimesityl-2,2′-bipyridine), which bears bulky substituents at the 6,6′-positions in the 2,2′-bipyridyl ligand, so that the ruthenium complex cannot form the dimer due to the steric hindrance. We have found that this ruthenium complex selectively produces CO, which strongly supports the catalytic mechanism proposed in this work.     

High yield preparation of a novel tetrakis[ruthenium tris(bipyridine)]calix[6]arene derivative with good diastereomeric purity

In order to develop methodology for the selective preparation of complex molecular structures with potential photochemical or electron transfer functions, the diastereoselective synthesis of multiple ruthenium tris(bipyridine) complexes tethered to a central calix[6]arene core was investigated. Applying recently developed methodology, the resolved precursor cis-Δ-[Ru(bpy)₂(DMSO)Cl]PF₆ (98.6% ee) was efficiently reacted with a novel calix[6]arene derivative, to give the tetrakis[Ru(bpy)₂(bpy′)]calix[6]arene derivative (9) with almost complete retention of absolute stereochemistry at each of the four metal centres, as seen by the unusually strong molar circular dichroism (CD) spectrum. The synthesis of racemic 9 was also carried out, and demonstrated to have an inactive CD spectrum.     

Synthesis, characterization and photophysics of alkyne bridged bimetallic rhenium(I) and ruthenium(II) complexes

Six new homobimetallic and heterobimetallic complexes of rhenium(I) and ruthenium(II) bridged by ethynylene spacer [(CO)₃(bpy)Re(BL)Re(bpy)(CO)₃]²⁺ [Cl(bpy)₂Ru(BL)Ru(bpy)₂Cl]²⁺ and [(CO)₃(bpy)Re(BL)Ru(bpy)₂Cl]²⁺ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, BL = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)acetylene (bpa) and 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)butadiyne (bpb) are synthesized and characterized. The electrochemical and photophysical properties of all the complexes show a weak interaction between two metal centers in heterobimetallic complexes. The excited state lifetime of the complexes is increased upon introduction of ethynylene spacer and the transient spectra show that this is due to delocalization of electron in the bridging ligand. Also, intramolecular energy transfer from *Re(I) to Ru(II) in Re–Ru heterobimetallic complexes occurs with a rate constant 4 × 10⁷ s⁻¹.     

Metal‐catalyzed reversible conversion between chemical and electrical energy designed towards a sustainable society

Proton dissociation of an aqua‐Ru‐quinone complex, [Ru(trpy)(q)(OH₂)]²⁺ (trpy = 2,2′ : 6′,2″‐terpyridine, q = 3,5‐di‐t‐butylquinone) proceeded in two steps (pK_a = 5.5 and ca. 10.5). The first step simply produced [Ru(trpy)(q)(OH)]⁺, while the second one gave an unusual oxyl radical complex, [Ru(trpy)(sq)(O^?.)]⁰ (sq = 3,5‐di‐t‐butylsemiquinone), owing to an intramolecular electron transfer from the resultant O^2? to q. A dinuclear Ru complex bridged by an anthracene framework, [Ru₂(btpyan)(q)₂(OH)₂]²⁺ (btpyan = 1,8‐bis(2,2′‐terpyridyl)anthracene), was prepared to place two Ru(trpy)(q)(OH) groups at a close distance. Deprotonation of the two hydroxy protons of [Ru₂(btpyan)(q)₂(OH)₂]²⁺ generated two oxyl radical Ru‐O^?. groups, which worked as a precursor for O₂ evolution in the oxidation of water. The [Ru₂(btpyan)(q)₂(OH)₂](SbF₆)₂ modified ITO electrode effectively catalyzed four‐electron oxidation of water to evolve O₂ (TON = 33500) under electrolysis at +1.70 V in H₂O (pH 4.0). Various physical measurements and DFT calculations indicated that a radical coupling between two Ru(sq)(O^?.) groups forms a (cat)Ru‐O‐O‐Ru(sq) (cat = 3,5‐di‐t‐butylcathechol) framework with a μ‐superoxo bond. Successive removal of four electrons from the cat, sq, and superoxo groups of [Ru₂(btpyan)(cat)(sq)(μ‐O₂^?)]⁰ assisted with an attack of two water (or OH^?) to Ru centers, which causes smooth O₂ evolution with regeneration of [Ru₂(btpyan)(q)₂(OH)₂]²⁺. Deprotonation of an Ru‐quinone‐ammonia complex also gave the corresponding Ru‐semiquinone‐aminyl radical. The oxidized form of the latter showed a high catalytic activity towards the oxidation of methanol in the presence of base. Three complexes, [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)₂]²⁺, [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)(C(O)OH)]⁺, and [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)(CO₂)]⁰ exist as an equilibrium mixture in water. Treatment of [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)₂]²⁺ with BH₄^? gave [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)(C(O)H)]⁺, [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)(CH₂OH)]⁺, and [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)(OH₂)]²⁺ with generation of CH₃OH in aqueous conditions. Based on these results, a reasonable catalytic pathway from CO₂ to CH₃OH in electro‐ and photochemical CO₂ reduction is proposed. A new pbn (pbn = 2‐pyridylbenzo[b]‐1,5‐naphthyridine) ligand was designed as a renewable hydride donor for the six‐electron reduction of CO₂. A series of [Ru(bpy)_3‐n(pbn)_n]²⁺ (n = 1, 2, 3) complexes undergoes photochemical two‐ (n = 1), four‐ (n = 2), and six‐electron reductions (n = 3) under irradiation of visible light in the presence of N(CH₂CH₂OH)₃. © 2009 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 9: 169–186; 2009: Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ) DOI 10.1002/tcr.200800039