Ruthenium terpyridine complexes containing a pyrrole-tagged 2,2'-dipyridylamine ligand-synthesis, crystal structure, and electrochemistry

Ruthenium(II) terpyridine complexes containing the pyrrole-tagged 2,2'-dipyridylamine ligand PPP (where PPP stands for N-(3-bis(2-pyridyl)aminopropyl)pyrrole with the general formula [Ru(tpy)(PPP)X](n+) (1, X = Cl(-); 2, X = H(2)O; 3, X = CH(3)CN; tpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by (1)H NMR, IR, UV-vis, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. 1 and 2 have been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. Both 1 and 2 were successfully immobilized onto glassy carbon electrode via anodic oxidation of the pyrrole moiety on the PPP ligand to give stable and highly electroactive polymer films. Cyclic voltammetric studies of 1 in acetonitrile revealed a Ru(III)/Ru(II) couple at 0.4 V vs Cp(2)Fe(+/0) initially, but another redox couple resulting from chloride substitution by acetonitrile developed at E(1/2) = 0.82 V upon repetitive potential scan. This ligand substitution was induced by the acidic local environment caused by the release of protons during pyrrole polymerization. The electropolymerization of 2 in aqueous medium allowed the observation of the formation of Ru(IV)═O species in polypyrrole film. As the film grew thicker, the size of the Ru(III)/(/)Ru(II) couple (E(1/2) = 0.8 V vs SCE at pH 1) of poly[Ru(tpy)(PPP)(OH(2))](n+) increased accordingly, whereas the growth of the Ru(IV)/Ru(III) couple (E(1/2) = 0.89 V vs SCE at pH 1) leveled off after the film had reached a certain thickness. The Pourbaix diagram of the E(1/2) of the Ru(III) /Ru(II) and Ru(IV)/Ru(III) couples vs pH of the electrolyte medium has been obtained. The resulting poly[Ru(tpy)(PPP)(OH(2))](n+) film is electrocatalytically active toward the oxidation of benzyl alcohol.     

Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of [Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3(NO2)]PF6, a synthon for [Ru(bpy)(L3)NO2] complexes

We report a high yield, two-step synthesis of fac-[Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6 from the known complex [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)Cl]PF6 (p-cym = eta(6)-p-cymene). [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)NO2]PF6 is prepared by reacting [(p-cymene)Ru(bpy)Cl]PF6 with AgNO3/KNO2 or AgNO2. The 15NO2 analogue is prepared using K15NO2. Displacement of p-cymene from [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)NO2]PF6 by acetonitrile gives [Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6. The new complexes [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)NO2]PF6 and fac-[Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6 have been fully characterized by 1H and 15N NMR, IR, elemental analysis, and single-crystal structure determination. Reaction of [Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6 with the appropriate ligands gives the new complexes [Ru(bpy)(Tp)NO2] (Tp = HB(pz)3-, pz = 1-pyrazolyl), [Ru(bpy)(Tpm)NO2]PF6 (Tpm = HC(pz)3), and the previously prepared [Ru(bpy)(trpy)NO2]PF6 (trpy = 2,2',6',2' '-terpyridine). Reaction of the nitro complexes with HPF6 gives the new nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bpy)TpNO][PF6]2 and [Ru(bpy)(Tpm)NO][PF6]3. All complexes were prepared with 15N-labeled nitro or nitrosyl groups. The nitro and nitrosyl complexes were characterized by 1H and 15N NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and single-crystal structure determination for [Ru(bpy)TpNO][PF6]2. For the nitro complexes, a linear correlation is observed between the nitro 15N NMR chemical shift and 1/nu(asym), where nu(asym) is the asymmetric stretching frequency of the nitro group.     

Multiple mixed-valence behavior in trans,trans-[(tpy)(Cl)2Os(III)(mu-1,3-N3)Os(III)(Cl)2(tpy)]+. An azido bridge from the reaction between trans-[Os(VI)(tpy)(Cl)2(N)]+ and NH3

Reaction between the Os(VI)-nitrido complex, trans-[OsVI(tpy)(Cl)2(N)]PF6 (tpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine), and ammonia (NH3) under N2 in dry CH3CN gives the mu-1,3-azido bridged [OsII-N3-OsII]- dimer, trans,trans-NH4[(tpy)(Cl)2OsII(N3)OsII(Cl)2(tpy)]. It undergoes air oxidation to give the [OsIII-N3-OsIII]+ analogue, trans,trans-[(tpy)(Cl)2OsIII(N3)OsIII(Cl)2(tpy)]PF6 ([OsIII-N3-OsIII]PF6), which has been isolated and characterized. The structural formulation as a mu-1,3-N3 bridged complex has been established by infrared and 15N NMR measurements on the 15N-labeled forms, [OsIII-14N=15N=14N-OsIII]+, [OsIII-15N=14N=15N-OsIII]+, and [OsIII-15N=15N=15N-OsIII]+. Cyclic voltammetric measurements in 0.2 M Bu4NPF6/CH3CN reveal the existence of five chemically reversible waves from 1.40 to -0.12 V for couples ranging from OsV-OsIV/OsIV-OsIV to OsIII-OsII/OsII-OsII. DeltaE1/2 values for couples adjacent to the three mixed-valence forms are 0.19 V for OsIII-OsII, 0.52 V for OsIV-OsIII, and >0.71 V for OsV-OsIV. In CH3CN at 60 degrees C, [OsIII-N3-OsIII]+ undergoes a [2 + 3] cycloaddition with CH3CN at the mu-N3- bridge followed by a solvolysis to give trans-[OsIII(tpy)(Cl)2(5-MeCN4)] and trans-[OsIII(tpy)(Cl)2(NCCH3)]PF6.     

Ruthenium(ii) bis(terpyridine) electron transfer complexes with alkynyl-ferrocenyl bridges: synthesis, structures, and electrochemical and spectroscopic studies

Two novel alkynyl-bridged symmetric bis-tridentate ligands 1,2-bis(1'-[4'-(2,2':6',2'-terpyridinyl)]ferrocenyl)ethyne (; tpy-Fc-C[triple bond, length as m-dash]C-Fc-tpy; Fc = ferrocenyl; tpy = terpyridyl) and 1,4-bis(1'-[4'-(2,2':6',2'-terpyridinyl)]ferrocenyl)-1,3-butadiyne (; tpy-Fc-C[triple bond, length as m-dash]C-C[triple bond, length as m-dash]C-Fc-tpy) and their Ru(2+) complexes and have been synthesized and characterized by cyclic voltammetry, UV-vis and luminescence spectroscopy, and in the case of by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Cyclic voltammograms of both compounds, and , display two severely overlapping ferrocene-based oxidative peaks with only one reductive peak. The redox behavior of and is dominated by the Ru(2+)/Ru(3+) redox couple (E(1/2) from 1.33 to 1.34 V), the Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) redox couples (E(1/2) from 0.46 to 0.80 V), and the tpy/tpy(-)/tpy(2-) redox couples (E(1/2) from -1.19 to -1.48 V). The UV-vis spectra of and show absorption bands assigned to the (1)[(d(π)(Fe))(6)] → (1)[(d(π)(Fe))(5)(π*(tpy)(Ru))(1)] MMLCT transition at ～555 nm. Complexes and are luminescent in H(2)O-CH(3)CN (4?:?1, v/v) solution at room temperature, and exhibits the strongest luminescence intensity (λ(max)(em): 710 nm, Φ(em): 2.28 × 10(-4), τ: 358 ns) relative to analogous ferrocene-based bis(terpyridine) Ru(ii) complexes reported so far.     

Synthesis of the DNA-[Ru(tpy)(dppz)(CH(3)CN)](2+) conjugates and their photo cross-linking studies with the complementary DNA strand

We here report our studies on the conjugation of photoreactive Ru(2+) complex to oligonucleotides (ODNs), which give a stable duplex with the complementary target DNA strand. These functionalized DNA duplexes bearing photoreactive Ru(2+) complex can be specifically photolyzed to give the reactive aqua derivative, [Ru(tpy)(dppz)(H(2)O)](2+)-ODN (tpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine; dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine), in situ, which successfully cross-links to give photoproduct(s) in the duplex form with the target complementary DNA strand. Thus, the stable precursor of the aquaruthenium complex, the monofunctional polypyridyl ruthenium complex [Ru(tpy)(dppz)(CH(3)CN)](2+), has been site-specifically tethered to ODN, for the first time, by both solid-phase synthesis and postsynthetic modifications. (i) In the first approach, pure 3'-[Ru(tpy)(dppz)(CH(3)CN)](2+)-ODN conjugate has been obtained in 42% overall yield (from the monomer blocks) by the automated solid-phase synthesis on a support labeled with [Ru(tpy)(dppz)Cl](+) complex with subsequent liberation of the crude conjugate from the support under mild conditions and displacement of the Cl(-) ligand by acetonitrile in the coordination sphere of the Ru(2+) label. (ii) In the second approach, the single-modified (3'- or 5'- or middle-modified) or 3',5'-bis-modified Ru(2+)-ODN conjugates were prepared in 28-50% yield by an amide bond formation between an active ester of the metal complex and the ODNs conjugated with an amino linker. The pure conjugates were characterized unambiguously by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy, enzymatic digestion followed by HPLC quantitation, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF as well as by ESI). [Ru(tpy)(dppz)(CH(3)CN)](2+)-ODNs form highly stabilized ODN.DNA duplexes compared to the unlabeled counterpart (DeltaT(m) varies from 8.4 to 23.6 degrees C) as a result of intercalation of the dppz moiety; they undergo clean and selective photodissociation of the CH(3)CN ligand to give the corresponding aqua complex, [Ru(tpy)(dppz)(H(2)O)](2+)-ODNs (in the aqueous medium), which is evidenced from the change of their UV-vis absorption properties and the detection of the naked Ru(2+)-ODN ions generated in the course of the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometric analysis. Thus, when [Ru(tpy)(dppz)(CH(3)CN)](2+)-ODN conjugate was hybridized to the complementary guanine (G)-rich target strand (T), and photolyzed in a buffer (pH 6.8), the corresponding aqua complex formed in situ immediately reacted with the G residue of the opposite strand, giving the cross-linked product. The highest yield (34%) of the photo cross-linked product obtained was with the ODN carrying two reactive Ru(2+) centers at both 3'- and 5'-ends. For ODNs carrying only one Ru(2+) complex, the yield of the cross-linked adduct in the corresponding duplex is found to decrease in the following order: 3'-Ru(2+)-ODN (22%) > 5'-Ru(2+)-ODN (9%) > middle-Ru(2+)-ODN (7%). It was also found that the photo cross-coupling efficiency of the tethered Ru(2+) complex with the target T strand decreased as the stabilization of the resulting duplex increased: 3'-Ru(2+)-ODN (VI.T) (DeltaT(m)(b) = 7 degrees C) < 5'-Ru(2+)-ODN (V.T) (DeltaT(m)(b) = 16 degrees C) < middle-Ru(2+)-ODN (VII.T) (DeltaT(m)(b) = 24.3 degrees C, Table 2). This shows that, with the rigidly packed structure, as in the duplex with middle-Ru(2+)-ODN, the metal center flexibility is considerably reduced, and consequently the accessibility of target G residue by the aquaruthunium moiety becomes severely restricted, which results in a poor yield in the cross-coupling reaction. The cross-linked product was characterized by PAGE, followed by MALDI-TOF MS.     

Separation of positional isomers of oxidation catalyst precursors

A series of polypyridyl ruthenium complexes of the general formula [Ru(tpy)(bpy')Cl]+ where tpy is 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine and bpy' is 4-carboxy-4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine (4-CO2H-4'-Mebpy), a proline derviative (4-CO-Pra-(Boc)(OMe)-4'-Mebpy), or 4-((diethoxyphosphinyl)methyl)-4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine (4-CH2PO3Et2-4'-Mebpy) are prepared. For each complex, two isomers exist, and these are separated chromatographically. The structure of the hexafluorophosphate salt of cis-[Ru(tpy)(4-CO2H-4'-Mebpy)Cl]+, cis-1, is determined by X-ray crystallography. The salt crystallizes in the monoclinic space group Cc with a = 12.4778(6) A, b = 12.6086(6) A, c = 20.1215(9) A, beta = 107.08200(1) degrees, Z = 4, R = 0.058, and Rw = 0.072. The structures of the remaining complexes are assigned by 1H NMR comparisons with cis-1. The complexes are potentially important precursors for the incorporation of RuIV=O2+ oxidants into polymers or peptides or for their adsorption onto oxide surfaces. Preliminary electrochemical results for the isomers of [Ru(tpy)(4-CH2PO3H2-4'-Mebpy)(H2O)]2+, 4, adsorbed on ITO (In2O3:Sn) surfaces add support to a recently proposed electron-transfer mechanism involving cross-surface proton-coupled electron transfer.     

New members of the [Ru(diimine)(CN)(4)](2-) family: structural, electrochemical and photophysical properties

A series of complexes of the type K(2)[Ru(NN)(CN)(4)] has been prepared, in which NN is a diimine ligand, and were investigated for both their structural and photophysical properties. The ligands used (and the abbreviations for the resulting complexes) are 3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole (Ru-pypz), 2,2'-bipyrimidine (Ru-bpym), 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (Ru-dmb), 1-ethyl-2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole (Ru-pbe), bidentate 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine (Ru-tpy). The known complexes with = 2,2'-bipyridine (Ru-bpy) and 1,10-phenathroline (Ru-phen) were also included in this work. A series of crystallographic studies showed that the [Ru(NN)(CN)(4)](2-) complex anions form a range of elaborate coordination networks when crystallised with either K(+) or Ln(3+) cations. The K(+) salts are characterised by a combination of near-linear Ru-CN-K bridges, with the cyanides coordinating to K(+) in the usual 'end-on' mode, and unusual side-on pi-type coordination of cyanide ligands to K(+) ions. With Ln(3+) cations in contrast only Ru-CN-Ln near-linear bridges occurred, affording 1-dimensional helical or diamondoid chains, and 2-dimensional sheets constituted from linked metallamacrocyclic rings. All of the K(2)[Ru(CN)(4)] complexes show a reversible Ru(II)/Ru(III) couple (ca.+0.9 V vs. Ag/AgCl in water), the exception being Ru-tpy whose oxidation is completely irreversible. Luminescence studies in water showed the presence of (3)MLCT-based emission in all cases apart from Ru-bpym with lifetimes of tens/hundreds of nanoseconds. Time-resolved infrared studies showed that in the (3)MLCT excited state the principal C-N stretching vibration shifts to positive energy by ca. 50 cm(-1) as a consequence of the transient oxidation of the metal centre to Ru(III) and the reduction in back-bonding to the cyanide ligands; measurement of transient decay rates allowed measurements of (3)MLCT lifetimes for those complexes which could not be characterised by luminescence spectroscopy. A few complexes were also examined in different solvents (MeCN, dmf) and showed much weaker emission and shorter excited-state lifetimes in these solvents compared to water.     

Near-infrared absorbing and emitting Ru(II)-Pt(II) heterodimetallic complexes of dpdpz (dpdpz = 2,3-di(2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenylpyrazine)

The reaction of 2,3-di(2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenylpyrazine (dpdpz) with K(2)PtCl(4) in a mixture of acetonitrile and water afforded mono-Pt complex (dpdpz)PtCl(2)4 in good yield, with two lateral pyridine nitrogen atoms binding to the metal center. Two types of Ru(II)-Pt(II) heterodimetallic complexes bridged by dpdpz, namely, [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpdpz)Pt(C≡CC(6)H(4)R)](2+) (7-9, R = H, NMe(2), or Cl, respectively) and [(tpy)Ru(dpdpz)Pt(C≡CPh)] (+) (12), were then designed and prepared, where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine and tpy = 2,2';6',2'-terpyridine. In both cases, the platinum atom binds to dpdpz with a C(∧)N(∧)N tridentate mode. However, the coordination of the ruthenium atom with dpdpz could either be noncyclometalated (N(∧)N bidentate) or cyclometalated (C(∧)N(∧)N tridentate). The electronic properties of these complexes were subsequently studied and compared by spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses and theoretical calculations. These complexes exhibit substantial absorption in the visible to NIR (near-infrared) region because of mixed MLCT (metal-to-ligand-charge-tranfer) transitions from both the ruthenium and the platinum centers. Complexes 7 and 9 were found to emit NIR light with higher quantum yields than those of the mono-Ru complex [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpdpz)](2+) (5) and bis-Ru complex [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpdpz)Ru(bpy)(2)](4+) (13). However, no emission was detected from complex 8 or 12 at room temperature in acetonitrile.     

Marked differences in light-switch behavior of Ru(II) complexes possessing a tridentate DNA intercalating ligand

The tridentate ligand 3-(pyrid-2'-yl)dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (pydppz) has been prepared in two steps by elaboration of 2-(pyrid-2'-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline. Both homoleptic [Ru(pydppz)(2)](2+) and heteroleptic [Ru(tpy)(pydppz)](2+) (tpy = 2,2';6',2' '-terpyridine) complexes have been prepared and characterized by (1)H NMR. The absorption and emission spectra are consistent with low-lying MLCT excited states, which are typical of Ru(II) complexes. Femtosecond transient absorption measurements show that that the (3)MLCT excited state of the heteroleptic complex [Ru(tpy)(pydppz)](2+) (tau approximately 5 ns) is longer-lived than that of the homoleptic complex [Ru(pydppz)(2)](2+) (tau = 2.4 ns) and that these lifetimes are significantly longer than that of the (3)MLCT state of the parent complex [Ru(tpy)(2)](2+) (tau = 120 ps). These differences are explained by the lower-energy (3)MLCT excited state present in [Ru(tpy)(pydppz)](2+) and [Ru(pydppz)(2)](2+) compared to [Ru(tpy)(2)](2+), resulting in less deactivation of the former through the ligand-field state(s). DFT and TDDFT calculations are consistent with this explanation. [Ru(tpy)(pydppz)](2+) and [Ru(pydppz)(2)](2+) bind to DNA through the intercalation of the pydppz ligand; however, only the heteroleptic complex exhibits luminescence enhancement in the presence of DNA. The difference in the photophysical behavior of the complexes is explained by the inability of [Ru(pydppz)(2)](2+) to intercalate both pydppz ligands, such that one pydppz always remains exposed to the solvent. DNA photocleavage is observed for [Ru(tpy)(pydppz)](2+) in air, but not for [Ru(pydppz)(2)](2+). The DNA damage likely proceeds through the production of small amounts of (1)O(2) by the longer-lived complex. Although both complexes possess the intercalating pydppz ligand, they exhibit different photophysical properties in the presence of DNA.     

Interaction between the DNA model base 9-ethylguanine and a group of ruthenium polypyridyl complexes: kinetics and conformational temperature dependence

The binding capability of three ruthenium polypyridyl compounds of structural formula [Ru(apy)(tpy)Ln-](ClO4)(2-n) [1a-c; apy = 2,2'-azobis(pyridine), tpy = 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine, L = Cl, H2O, CH3CN] to a fragment of DNA was studied. The interaction between each of these complexes and the DNA model base 9-ethylguanine (9-EtGua) was followed by means of 1H NMR studies. Density functional theory calculations were carried out to explore the preferential ways of coordination between the ruthenium complexes and guanine. The ruthenium-9-EtGua adduct formed was isolated and fully characterized using different techniques. A variable-temperature 1H NMR experiment was carried out that showed that while the 9-EtGua fragment was rotating fast at high temperature, a loss of symmetry was suffered by the model base adduct as the temperature was lowered, indicating restricted rotation of the guanine residue.     

Rapid catalytic water oxidation by a single site, Ru carbene catalyst

Compared to earlier single site catalysts, greatly enhanced rates of electrocatalytic water oxidation by the Ru carbene catalyst [Ru(tpy)(Mebim-py)(OH(2))](2+) (tpy = 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine; Mebim-py = 3-methyl-1-pyridylbenzimidazol-2-ylidene) have been observed. The mechanism appears to be the same with proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) activation to Ru(V)=O(3+) followed by O-O coupling and further oxidation. An important factor in the enhanced reactivity of the carbene complex may come from increased driving force for the O-O bond forming step.     

Charge delocalization of 1,4-benzenedicyclometalated ruthenium: a comparison between tris-bidentate and bis-tridentate complexes

A dimetallic biscyclometalated ruthenium complex, [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpb)Ru(bpy)(2)](2+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; dpb = 1,4-di-2-pyridylbenzene), with a tris-bidentate coordination mode has been prepared. The electronic properties of this complex were studied by electrochemical and spectroscopic analysis and DFT/TDDFT calculations on both rac and meso isomers. Complex [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpb)Ru(bpy)(2)](2+) has a similar 1,4-benzenedicyclometalated ruthenium (Ru-phenyl-Ru) structural component with a previously reported bis-tridentate complex, [(tpy)Ru(tpb)Ru(tpy)](2+) (tpy = 2,2';6',2″-terpyridine; tpb = 1,2,4,5-tetra-2-pyridylbenzene). The charge delocalizations of these complexes across the Ru-phenyl-Ru array were investigated and compared by studying the corresponding one-electron-oxidized species, generated by chemical oxidation or electrochemical electrolysis, with DFT/TDDFT calculations and spectroscopic and EPR analysis. These studies indicate that both [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpb)Ru(bpy)(2)](3+) and [(tpy)Ru(tpb)Ru(tpy)](3+) are fully delocalized systems. However, the coordination mode of the metal component plays an important role in influencing their electronic properties.     

Peroxydisulfate activation by [RuII(tpy)(pic)(H2O)]+. Kinetic, mechanistic and anti-microbial activity studies

The oxidation of [Ru(II)(tpy)(pic)H(2)O](+) (tpy = 2,2',6',2'-terpyridine; pic(-) = picolinate) by peroxidisulfate (S(2)O(8)(2-)) as precursor oxidant has been investigated kinetically by UV-VIS, IR and EPR spectroscopy. The overall oxidation of Ru(II)- to Ru(IV)-species takes place in a consecutive manner involving oxidation of [Ru(II)(tpy)(pic)H(2)O](+) to [Ru(III)(tpy)(pic)(OH)](+), and its further oxidation of to the ultimate product [Ru(IV)(tpy)(pic)(O)](+) complex. The time course of the reaction was followed as a function of [S(2)O(8)(2-)], ionic strength (I) and temperature. Kinetic data and activation parameters are interpreted in terms of an outer-sphere electron transfer mechanism. Anti-microbial activity of Ru(II)(tpy)(pic)H(2)O](+) complex by inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli DH5α in presence of peroxydisulfate has been explored, and the results of the biological studies have been discussed in terms of the [Ru(IV)(tpy)(pic)(O)](+) mediated cleavage of chromosomal DNA of the bacteria.     

Structures and solvatochromic phosphorescence of dicationic terpyridyl-platinum(II) complexes with foldable oligo(ortho-phenyleneethynylene) bridging ligands

A series of binuclear organoplatinum(II) complexes, [(tBu3tpy)Pt--(C[triple chemical bond]C--1,2-C6H4)n--C[triple chemical bond]C--Pt(tBu3tpy)][ClO4]2 (1-7, n=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8; tBu3tpy=4,4',4'-tri-tert-butyl-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) with foldable oligo(ortho-phenyleneethynylene) linkers were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic methods and/or X-ray crystallographic analyses. In the crystal structures of 32.5 CH3OH, 5CH3CN, and 64 CH3CN, each of the bridging ortho-phenyleneethynylene ligands has a partially folded conformation. In aerated water/acetonitrile mixtures with water percentages larger than 40 %, the emission of complexes 3-7 are red-shifted and enhanced when compared to those recorded in acetonitrile. The red-shift in emission energy and enhanced emission intensity can be attributed to the inter- and/or intramolecular interactions induced by the addition of water to solutions of the platinum(II) complexes in acetonitrile. Data from dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that these binuclear platinum(II) complexes aggregated into nanosized particles in acetonitrile/water mixtures. Hydrophobic folding of the ortho-phenyleneethynylene linkers in acetonitrile/water mixtures is postulated.     

Diruthenium dithiolato cyanides: basic reactivity studies and a post hoc examination of nature's choice of Fe versus Ru for hydrogenogenesis

The reaction of Ru2(S2C3H6)(CO)6 (1) with 2 equiv of Et4NCN yielded (Et4N)2[Ru2(S2C3H6)(CN)2(CO)4], (Et4N)2[3], which was shown crystallographically to consist of a face-sharing bioctahedron with the cyanide ligands in the axial positions, trans to the Ru-Ru bond. Competition experiments showed that 1 underwent cyanation >100x more rapidly than the analogous Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)6. Furthermore, Ru2(S2C3H6)(CO)6 underwent dicyanation faster than [Ru2(S2C3H6)(CN)(CO)5]-, implicating a highly electrophilic intermediate [Ru2(S2C3H6)(mu-CO)(CN)(CO)5]-. Ru2(S2C3H6)(CO)6 (1) is noticeably more basic than the diiron compound, as demonstrated by the generation of [Ru2(S2C3H6)(mu-H)(CO)6]+, [1H]+. In contrast to 1, the complex [1H]+ is unstable in MeCN solution and converts to [Ru2(S2C3H6)(mu-H)(CO)5(MeCN)]+. (Et4N)2[3] was shown to protonate with HOAc (pKa = 22.3, MeCN) and, slowly, with MeOH and H2O. Dicyanide [3]2- is stable toward excess acid, unlike the diiron complex; it slowly forms the coordination polymer [Ru2(S2C3H6)(mu-H)(CN)(CNH)(CO)4]n, which can be deprotonated with Et3N to regenerate [H3]-. Electrochemical experiments demonstrate that [3H]- catalyzes proton reduction at -1.8 V vs Ag/AgCl. In contrast to [3]2-, the CO ligands in [3H]- undergo displacement. For example, PMe3 and [3H]- react to produce [Ru2(S2C3H6)(mu-H)(CN)2(CO)3(PMe3)]-. Oxidation of (Et4N)2[3] with 1 equiv of Cp2Fe+ gave a mixture of [Ru2(S2C3H6)(mu-CO)(CN)3(CO)3]- and [Ru2(S2C3H6)(CN)(CO)5]-, via a proposed [Ru2]2(mu-CN) intermediate. Overall, the ruthenium analogues of the diiron dithiolates exhibit reactivity highly reminiscent of the diiron species, but the products are more robust and the catalytic properties appear to be less promising.     

Water oxidation catalysis: influence of anionic ligands upon the redox properties and catalytic performance of mononuclear ruthenium complexes

Aiming at highly efficient molecular catalysts for water oxidation, a mononuclear ruthenium complex Ru(II)(hqc)(pic)(3) (1; H(2)hqc = 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxylic acid and pic = 4-picoline) containing negatively charged carboxylate and phenolate donor groups has been designed and synthesized. As a comparison, two reference complexes, Ru(II)(pdc)(pic)(3) (2; H(2)pdc = 2,6-pyridine-dicarboxylic acid) and Ru(II)(tpy)(pic)(3) (3; tpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine), have also been prepared. All three complexes are fully characterized by NMR, mass spectrometry (MS), and X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 showed a high efficiency toward catalytic water oxidation either driven by chemical oxidant (Ce(IV) in a pH 1 solution) with a initial turnover number of 0.32 s(-1), which is several orders of magnitude higher than that of related mononuclear ruthenium catalysts reported in the literature, or driven by visible light in a three-component system with [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) types of photosensitizers. Electrospray ionization MS results revealed that at the Ru(III) state complex 1 undergoes ligand exchange of 4-picoline with water, forming the authentic water oxidation catalyst in situ. Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to explain how anionic ligands (hqc and pdc) facilitate the 4-picoline dissociation compared with a neutral ligand (tpy). Electrochemical measurements show that complex 1 has a much lower E(Ru(III)/Ru(II)) than that of reference complex 2 because of the introduction of a phenolate ligand. DFT was further used to study the influence of anionic ligands upon the redox properties of mononuclear aquaruthenium species, which are postulated to be involved in the catalysis cycle of water oxidation.     

Mixed-metal supramolecular complexes coupling phosphine-containing Ru(II) light absorbers to a reactive Pt(II) through polyazine bridging ligands

Supramolecular bimetallic Ru(II)/Pt(II) complexes [(tpy)Ru(PEt(2)Ph)(BL)PtCl(2)](2+) and their synthons [(tpy)Ru(L)(BL)](n)()(+) (where L = Cl(-), CH(3)CN, or PEt(2)Ph; tpy = 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine; and BL = 2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpm) or 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine (dpp)) have been synthesized and studied by cyclic voltammetry, electronic absorption spectroscopy, mass spectral analysis, and (31)P NMR. The mixed-metal bimetallic complexes couple phosphine-containing Ru chromophores to a reactive Pt site. These complexes show how substitution of the monodentate ligand on the [(tpy)RuCl(BL)](+) synthons can tune the properties of these light absorbers (LA) and incorporate a (31)P NMR tag by addition of the PEt(2)Ph ligand. The redox potentials for the Ru(III/II) couples occur at values greater than 1.00 V versus the Ag/AgCl reference electrode and can be tuned to more positive potentials on going from Cl(-) to CH(3)CN or PEt(2)Ph (E(1/2) = 1.01, 1.55, and 1.56 V, respectively, for BL = bpm). The BL(0/-) couple at -1.03 (bpm) and -1.05 V (dpp) for [(tpy)Ru(PEt(2)Ph)(BL)](2+) shifts dramatically to more positive potentials upon the addition of the PtCl(2) moiety to -0.34 (bpm) and -0.50 V (dpp) for the [(tpy)Ru(PEt(2)Ph)(BL)PtCl(2)](2+) bridged complex. The lowest energy electronic absorption for these complexes is assigned as the Ru(d pi) --> BL(pi*) metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transition. These MLCT transitions are tuned to higher energy in the monometallic synthons when Cl(-) is replaced by CH(3)CN or PEt(2)Ph (516, 452, and 450 nm, for BL = bpm, respectively) and to lower energy when Pt(II)Cl(2) is coordinated to the bridging ligand (560 and 506 nm for BL = bpm or dpp). This MLCT state displays a broad emission at room temperature for all the dpp systems with the [(tpy)Ru(PEt(2)Ph)(dpp)PtCl(2)](2+) system exhibiting an emission centered at 750 nm with a lifetime of 56 ns. These supramolecular complexes [(tpy)Ru(PEt(2)Ph)(BL)PtCl(2)](2+) represent the covalent linkage of TAG-LA-BL-RM assembly (TAG = NMR active tag, RM = Pt(II) reactive metal).     

Mechanism of oxidation of benzaldehyde by polypyridyl oxo complexes of Ru(IV)

The oxidation of benzaldehyde and several of its derivatives to their carboxylic acids by cis-[Ru(IV)(bpy)2(py)(O)]2+ (Ru(IV)=O2+; bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine, py is pyridine), cis-[Ru(III)(bpy)2(py)(OH)]2+ (Ru(III)-OH2+), and [Ru(IV)(tpy)(bpy)(O)]2+ (tpy is 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) in acetonitrile and water has been investigated using a variety of techniques. Several lines of evidence support a one-electron hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) mechanism for the redox step in the oxidation of benzaldehyde. They include (i) moderate k(C-H)/k(C-D) kinetic isotope effects of 8.1 +/- 0.3 in CH3CN, 9.4 +/- 0.4 in H2O, and 7.2 +/- 0.8 in D2O; (ii) a low k(H2O/D2O) kinetic isotope effect of 1.2 +/- 0.1; (iii) a decrease in rate constant by a factor of only approximately 5 in CH3CN and approximately 8 in H2O for the oxidation of benzaldehyde by cis-[Ru(III)(bpy)2(py)(OH)]2+ compared to cis-[Ru(IV)(bpy)2(py)(O)]2+; (iv) the appearance of cis-[Ru(III)(bpy)2(py)(OH)]2+ rather than cis-[Ru(II)(bpy)2(py)(OH2)]2+ as the initial product; and (v) the small rho value of -0.65 +/- 0.03 in a Hammett plot of log k vs sigma in the oxidation of a series of aldehydes. A mechanism is proposed for the process occurring in the absence of O2 involving (i) preassociation of the reactants, (ii) H-atom transfer to Ru(IV)=O2+ to give Ru(III)-OH2+ and PhCO, (iii) capture of PhCO by Ru(III)-OH2+ to give Ru(II)-OC(O)Ph+ and H+, and (iv) solvolysis to give cis-[Ru(II)(bpy)2(py)(NCCH3)]2+ or the aqua complex and the carboxylic acid as products.     

A novel heteroditopic terpyridine-pincer ligand as building block for mono- and heterometallic Pd(II) and Ru(II) complexes

A palladium-catalyzed Stille coupling reaction was employed as a versatile method for the synthesis of a novel terpyridine-pincer (3, TPBr) bridging ligand, 4'-{4-BrC6H2(CH2NMe2)2-3,5}-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine. Mononuclear species [PdX(TP)] (X = Br, Cl), [Ru(TPBr)(tpy)](PF6)2, and [Ru(TPBr)2](PF6)2, synthesized by selective metalation of the NCNBr-pincer moiety or complexation of the terpyridine of the bifunctional ligand TPBr, were used as building blocks for the preparation of heterodi- and trimetallic complexes [Ru(TPPdCl)(tpy)](PF6)2 (7) and [Ru(TPPdCl)2](PF6)2 (8). The molecular structures in the solid state of [PdBr(TP)] (4a) and [Ru(TPBr)2](PF6)2 (6) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Electrochemical behavior and photophysical properties of the mono- and heterometallic complexes are described. All the above di- and trimetallic Ru complexes exhibit absorption bands attributable to (1)MLCT (Ru --> tpy) transitions. For the heteroleptic complexes, the transitions involving the unsubstituted tpy ligand are at a lower energy than the tpy moiety of the TPBr ligand. The absorption bands observed in the electronic spectra for TPBr and [PdCl(TP)] have been assigned with the aid of TD-DFT calculations. All complexes display weak emission both at room temperature and in a butyronitrile glass at 77 K. The considerable red shift of the emission maxima relative to the signal of the reference compound [Ru(tpy)2]2+ indicates stabilization of the luminescent 3MLCT state. For the mono- and heterometallic complexes, electrochemical and spectroscopic studies (electronic absorption and emission spectra and luminescence lifetimes recorded at room temperature and 77 K in nitrile solvents), together with the information gained from IR spectroelectrochemical studies of the dimetallic complex [Ru(TPPdSCN)(tpy)](PF6)2, are indicative of charge redistribution through the bridging ligand TPBr. The results are in line with a weak coupling between the {Ru(tpy)2} chromophoric unit and the (non)metalated NCN-pincer moiety.     

The remarkable reactivity of high oxidation state ruthenium and osmium polypyridyl complexes

There is a remarkable redox chemistry of higher oxidation state M(IV)-M(VI) polypyridyl complexes of Ru and Os. They are accessible by proton loss and formation of oxo or nitrido ligands, examples being cis-[RuIV(bpy)2(py)(O)]2+ (RuIV=O2+, bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, and py=pyridine) and trans-[OsVI(tpy)(Cl)2(N)]+ (tpy=2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine). Metal-oxo or metal-nitrido multiple bonding stabilizes the higher oxidation states and greatly influences reactivity. O-atom transfer, hydride transfer, epoxidation, C-H insertion, and proton-coupled electron-transfer mechanisms have been identified in the oxidation of organics by RuIV=O2+. The Ru-O multiple bond inhibits electron transfer and promotes complex mechanisms. Both O atoms can be used for O-atom transfer by trans-[RuVI(tpy)(O)2(S)]2+ (S=CH3CN or H2O). Four-electron, four-proton oxidation of cis,cis-[(bpy)2(H2O)RuIII-O-RuIII(H2O)(bpy)2]4+ occurs to give cis,cis-[(bpy)2(O)RuV-O-RuV(O)(bpy)2]4+ which rapidly evolves O2. Oxidation of NH3 in trans-[OsII(tpy)(Cl)2(NH3)] gives trans-[OsVI(tpy)(Cl)2(N)]+ through a series of one-electron intermediates. It and related nitrido complexes undergo formal N- transfer analogous to O-atom transfer by RuIV=O2+. With secondary amines, the products are the hydrazido complexes, cis- and trans-[OsV(L3)(Cl)2(NNR2)]+ (L3=tpy or tpm and NR2-=morpholide, piperidide, or diethylamide). Reactions with aryl thiols and secondary phosphines give the analogous adducts cis- and trans-[OsIV(tpy)(Cl)2(NS(H)(C6H4Me))]+ and fac-[OsIV(Tp)(Cl)2(NP(H)(Et2))]. In dry CH3CN, all have an extensive multiple oxidation state chemistry based on couples from Os(VI/V) to Os(III/II). In acidic solution, the OsIV adducts are protonated, e.g., trans-[OsIV(tpy)(Cl)2(N(H)N(CH2)4O)]+, and undergo proton-coupled electron transfer to quinone to give OsV, e.g., trans-[OsV(tpy)(Cl)2(NN(CH2)4O)]+ and hydroquinone. These reactions occur with giant H/D kinetic isotope effects of up to 421 based on O-H, N-H, S-H, or P-H bonds. Reaction with azide ion has provided the first example of the terminal N4(2-) ligand in mer-[OsIV(bpy)(Cl)3(NalphaNbetaNgammaNdelta)]-. With CN-, the adduct mer-[OsIV(bpy)(Cl)3(NCN)]- has an extensive, reversible redox chemistry and undergoes NCN(2-) transfer to PPh3 and olefins. Coordination to Os also promotes ligand-based reactivity. The sulfoximido complex trans-[OsIV(tpy)(Cl)2(NS(O)-p-C6H4Me)] undergoes loss of O2 with added acid and O-atom transfer to trans-stilbene and PPh3. There is a reversible two-electron/two-proton, ligand-based acetonitrilo/imino couple in cis-[OsIV(tpy)(NCCH3)(Cl)(p-NSC6H4Me)]+. It undergoes reversible reactions with aldehydes and ketones to give the corresponding alcohols.