Catalysis of Mononuclear Aquaruthenium Complexes in Oxygen Evolution from Water: A New Radical Coupling Path using Hydroxocerium(IV) Species

The mechanism of O₂ evolution from water catalyzed by a series of mononuclear aquaruthenium complexes, [Ru(terpy)(bpy)(OH₂)]²⁺, [Ru(tmtacn)(R₂bpy)(OH₂)]²⁺ (R=H, Me, and OMe; R₂bpy=4,4′‐disubstituted‐2,2′‐bipyridines), and [Ru(tpzm)(R₂bpy)(OH₂)]²⁺ (R=H, Me, and OMe), is investigated, where terpy=2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, tmtacn=1,4,7‐trimethyl‐1,4,7‐triazacyclononane, and tpzm=tris(1‐pyrazolyl)methane. The kinetics of O₂ evolution is investigated as a function of either the catalyst concentration or the oxidant concentration by employing Ce(NH₄)₂(NO₃)₆ as an oxidant; these catalysts can be classified into two groups that have different rate laws for O₂ evolution. In one class, the rate of O₂ evolution is linear to both the catalyst and Ce⁴⁺ concentrations, as briefly reported for [Ru(terpy)(bpy)(OH₂)]²⁺ (S. Masaoka, K. Sakai, Chem. Lett. 2009 , 38, 182). For the other class, [Ru(tmtacn)(R₂bpy)(OH₂)]²⁺, the rate of O₂ evolution is quadratic to the catalyst concentration and independent of the Ce⁴⁺ concentration. Moreover, the singlet biradical character of the hydroxocerium(IV) ion was realized by experimental and DFT investigations. These results indicate that the radical coupling between the oxygen atoms of a Ru^V?O species and a hydroxocerium(IV) ion is the key step for the catalysis of [Ru(terpy)(bpy)(OH₂)]²⁺ and [Ru(tpzm)(R₂bpy)(OH₂)]²⁺, while the well‐known oxo‐oxo radical coupling among two Ru^V?O species proceeds in the catalysis of [Ru(tmtacn)(R₂bpy)(OH₂)]²⁺. This is the first report demonstrating that the radical character provided by the hydroxocerium(IV) ion plays a crucial role in the catalysis of such ruthenium complexes in the evolution of O₂ from water.     

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.     

A New Heteroleptic Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complex with Long‐Wavelength Absorption and High Singlet‐Oxygen Quantum Yield

Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes with long‐wavelength absorption and high singlet‐oxygen quantum yield exhibit attractive potential in photodynamic therapy. A new heteroleptic Ru^II polypyridyl complex, [Ru(bpy)(dpb)(dppn)]²⁺ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, dpb=2,3‐bis(2‐pyridyl)benzoquinoxaline, dppn=4,5,9,16‐tetraaza‐dibenzo[a,c]naphthacene), is reported, which exhibits a ¹MLCT (MLCT: metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer) maximum as long as 548 nm and a singlet‐oxygen quantum yield as high as 0.43. Steady/transient absorption/emission spectra indicate that the lowest‐energy MLCT state localizes on the dpb ligand, whereas the high singlet‐oxygen quantum yield results from the relatively long ³MLCT(Ru→dpb) lifetime, which in turn is the result of the equilibrium between nearly isoenergetic excited states of ³MLCT(Ru→dpb) and ³ππ*(dppn). The dppn ligand also ensures a high binding affinity of the complex towards DNA. Thus, the combination of dpb and dppn gives the complex promising photodynamic activity, fully demonstrating the modularity and versatility of heteroleptic Ru^II complexes. In contrast, [Ru(bpy)₂(dpb)]²⁺ shows a long‐wavelength ¹MLCT maximum (551 nm) but a very low singlet‐oxygen quantum yield (0.22), and [Ru(bpy)₂(dppn)]²⁺ shows a high singlet‐oxygen quantum yield (0.79) but a very short wavelength ¹MLCT maximum (442 nm).     

Mapping the Transformation [{RuII(CO)3Cl2}2]→[RuI2(CO)4]2+: Implications in Binuclear Water–Gas Shift Chemistry

The complete sequence of reactions in the base‐promoted reduction of [{Ru^II(CO)₃Cl₂}₂] to [Ru^I₂(CO)₄]²⁺ has been unraveled. Several μ‐OH, μ:κ²‐CO₂H‐bridged diruthenium(II) complexes have been synthesized; they are the direct results of the nucleophilic activation of metal‐coordinated carbonyls by hydroxides. The isolated compounds are [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ:κ²‐C,O‐CO₂H)₂(μ‐OH)(NP^F‐Am)₂][PF₆] ( 1 ; NP^F‐Am=2‐amino‐5,7‐trifluoromethyl‐1,8‐naphthyridine) and [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ:κ²‐C,O‐CO₂H)(μ‐OH)(NP‐Me₂)₂][BF₄]₂ ( 2 ), secured by the applications of naphthyridine derivatives. In the absence of any capping ligand, a tetranuclear complex [Ru₄(CO)₈(H₂O)₂(μ³‐OH)₂(μ:κ²‐C,O‐CO₂H)₄][CF₃SO₃]₂ ( 3 ) is isolated. The bridging hydroxido ligand in 1 is readily replaced by a π‐donor chlorido ligand, which results in [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ:κ²‐C,O‐CO₂H)₂(μ‐Cl)(NP‐PhOMe)₂][BF₄] ( 4 ). The production of [Ru₂(CO)₄]²⁺ has been attributed to the thermally induced decarboxylation of a bis(hydroxycarbonyl)–diruthenium(II) complex to a dihydrido–diruthenium(II) species, followed by dinuclear reductive elimination of molecular hydrogen with the concomitant formation of the Ru^I? Ru^I single bond. This work was originally instituted to find a reliable synthetic protocol for the [Ru₂(CO)₄(CH₃CN)₆]²⁺ precursor. It is herein prescribed that at least four equivalents of base, complete removal of chlorido ligands by Tl^I salts, and heating at reflux in acetonitrile for a period of four hours are the conditions for the optimal conversion. Premature quenching of the reaction resulted in the isolation of a trinuclear Ru^I₂Ru^II complex [{Ru(NP‐Am)₂(CO)}{Ru₂(NP‐Am)₂(CO)₂(μ‐CO)₂}(μ₃:κ³‐C,O,O′‐CO₂)][BF₄]₂ ( 6 ). These unprecedented diruthenium compounds are the dinuclear congeners of the water–gas shift (WGS) intermediates. The possibility of a dinuclear pathway eliminates the inherent contradiction of pH demands in the WGS catalytic cycle in an alkaline medium. A cooperative binuclear elimination could be a viable route for hydrogen production in WGS chemistry.     

Characterization of the Oxygen Binding Motif in a Ruthenium Water Oxidation Catalyst by Vibrational Spectroscopy

For homogeneous mononuclear ruthenium water oxidation catalysts, the Ru–O₂ complex plays a crucial role in the rate determining step of the catalytic cycle, but the exact nature of this complex is unclear. Herein, the infrared spectra of the [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(O₂)]²⁺ complex (tpy=2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) are presented. The complex [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(O₂)]²⁺, formed by gas‐phase reaction of [Ru(tpy)(bpy)]²⁺ with molecular O₂, was isolated by using mass spectrometry and was directly probed by cryogenic ion IR predissociation spectroscopy. Well‐resolved spectral features enable a clear identification of the O?O stretch using ¹⁸O₂ substitution. The band frequency and intensity indicate that the O₂ moiety binds to the Ru center in a side‐on, bidentate manner. Comparisons with DFT calculations highlight the shortcomings of the B3LYP functional in properly depicting the Ru–O₂ interaction.     

N,N′-Bis(aryl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide complexes of ruthenium: Synthesis,structure and redox properties

Reaction of five N,N′-bis(aryl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamides (H₂L-R, where H₂ denotes the two acidic protons and R (R = OCH₃, CH₃, H, Cl and NO₂) the para substituent in the aryl fragment) with [Ru(trpy)Cl₃](trpy = 2,2′,2″-terpyridine) in refluxing ethanol in the presence of a base (NEt₃) affords a group of complexes of the type [Ru^II(trpy)(L-R)], each of which contains an amide ligand coordinated to the metal center as a dianionic tridentate N,N,N-donor along with a terpyridine ligand. Structure of the [Ru^II(trpy)(L-Cl)] complex has been determined by X-ray crystallography. All the Ru(II) complexes are diamagnetic, and show characteristic ¹H NMR signals and intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. Cyclic voltammetry on the [Ru^II(trpy)(L-R)] complexes shows a Ru(II)–Ru(III) oxidation within 0.16–0.33 V versus SCE. An oxidation of the coordinated amide ligand is also observed within 0.94–1.33 V versus SCE and a reduction of coordinated terpyridine ligand within −1.10 to −1.15 V versus SCE. Constant potential coulometric oxidation of the [Ru^II(trpy)(L-R)] complexes produces the corresponding [Ru^III(trpy)(L-R)]⁺ complexes, which have been isolated as the perchlorate salts. Structure of the [Ru^III(trpy)(L-CH₃)]ClO₄ complex has been determined by X-ray crystallography. All the Ru(III) complexes are one-electron paramagnetic, and show anisotropic ESR spectra at 77 K and intense LMCT transitions in the visible region. A weak ligand-field band has also been shown by all the [Ru^III(trpy)(L-R)]ClO₄ complexes near 1600 nm.     

The chemistry of [Ru(trpy)(Q)X]n+ (trpy = 2,2′2″-terpyridine; Q = the quinolin-8-olate anion; X = Cl-, H2O,MeCN and N-_3; n = 0 and 1)

Reaction of [Ru(trpy)Cl₃] with quinolin-8-ol (HQ) yields [Ru(trpy)(Q)Cl]. Treatment of [Ru(trpy)(Q)Cl] with Ag⁺ in Me₂CO–H₂O (3:1) and MeCN gives [Ru(trpy)- (Q)(H₂O)]⁺ and [Ru(trpy)(Q)(MeCN)]⁺, respectively, which were isolated as their perchlorate salts. A similar reaction in EtOH, in the presence of NaN₃, yields [Ru(trpy)(Q)(N₃)]. All complexes are diamagnetic (low-spin, d⁶, S = 0) and show many intense m.l.c.t. transitions in the visible region. They display a reversible Ru^II-Ru^III oxidation in the -0.13-0.48 V versus s.c.e. range, followed by an irreversible Ru^III-Ru^IV oxidation in the 0.46–1.08V versus s.c.e. range and three trpy-based reductions on the negative side of s.c.e. Chemical oxidation of [Ru^II(trpy)(Q)Cl] by Ce⁴⁺ gives [Ru(trpy)-(Q)Cl]⁺ which shows intense l.m.c.t. transitions in the visible region together with a weak ligand field transition in the lower energy region. The complex is one-electron paramagnetic (low-spin, d⁵, S=1/2) and shows a rhombic e.s.r. spectrum in MeCN–PhMe (1:1) solution at 77K. Chemical oxidation of [Ru(trpy)(Q)-(H₂O)]⁺ results in the formation of a -oxo dimer, [{Ru(trpy)(Q)}₂O]²⁺.     

Synthesis,characterization, and metal complexes of polyacetylenes with pendant 2,2′‐bipyridyl groups

5‐Ethynyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine ( 1 ; bpyC≡CH) polymerized in the presence of catalytic amounts of [RhF(COD)(PPh₃)] or [Rh(μ‐OH)(COD)]₂ (COD = 1,5‐cyclooctadiene) in 74–91% yields. In contrast, [Rh(μ‐X)(NBD)]₂ (X = Cl or OMe; NBD = norbornadiene) did not catalyze the polymerization of 1 or gave low yields of the polymer. The obtained polymer, poly(5‐ethynyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) [ 2 ; (bpyC?CH)_n], was highly stereoregular with a predominant cis–transoidal geometry. Random copolyacetylenes containing the 2,2′‐bipyridyl group with improved solubility in organic solvents were obtained by the treatment of a mixture of 1 and phenylacetylene ( 3 ) or 1‐ethynyl‐4‐n‐pentyl‐benzene with catalytic amounts of [RhF(COD)(PPh₃)]. A block copolymer of 1 and 3 was prepared by the addition of 1 to a poly(phenylacetylene) containing a living end. The reaction of 2 with [Mo(CO)₆] produced an insoluble polymer containing [Mo(CO)₄(bpy)] groups, whereas with [RuCl₂(bpy)₂] or [Ru(bpy)₂(CH₃COCH₃)₂](CF₃SO₃)₂, it gave soluble metal–polymer complexes containing [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ groups. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43:3167–3177, 2005     

Activation of Open‐Cage Fullerenes with Ruthenium Carbonyl Clusters

Reactions of the open‐cage fullerene C₆₃NO₂(Py)(Ph)₂ ( 1 ) with [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] produce [Ru₃(CO)₈(μ,η⁵‐C₆₃NO₂(Py)(Ph)₂)] ( 2 ), [Ru₂H(CO)₃(μ,η⁷‐C₆₃N(Py)(Ph)(C₆H₄))] ( 3 ), and [Ru(CO)(Py)₂₍η³‐C₆₃NO₂(Py)(Ph)₂)] ( 4 ), in which the orifice sizes are modified from 12 to 8, 11, and 15‐membered ring, through ruthenium‐mediated C?O and C?C bond activation and formation.     

Near‐IR Absorbing Ruthenium Complexes of Non‐Innocent 6,12‐Di(pyridin‐2‐yl)indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole: Variation as a Function of Co‐Ligands

This article deals with the hitherto unexplored metal complexes of deprotonated 6,12‐di(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐5,11‐dihydroindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole (H₂L). The synthesis and structural, optical, electrochemical characterization of dimeric [{Ru^III(acac)₂}₂(μ‐L^.?)]ClO₄ ([ 1 ]ClO₄, S=1/2), [{Ru^II(bpy)₂}₂(μ‐L^.?)](ClO₄)₃ ([ 2 ](ClO₄)₃, S=1/2), [{Ru^II(pap)₂}₂(μ‐L^2?)](ClO₄)₂ ([ 4 ](ClO₄)₂, S=0), and monomeric [(bpy)₂Ru^II(HL^?)]ClO₄ ([ 3 ]ClO₄, S=0), [(pap)₂Ru^II(HL^?)]ClO₄ ([ 5 ]ClO₄, S=0) (acac=σ‐donating acetylacetonate, bpy=moderately π‐accepting 2,2’‐bipyridine, pap=strongly π‐accepting 2‐phenylazopyridine) are reported. The radical and dianionic states of deprotonated L in isolated dimeric 1 ⁺/ 2 ³⁺ and 4 ²⁺, respectively, could be attributed to the varying electronic features of the ancillary (acac, bpy, and pap) ligands, as was reflected in their redox potentials. Perturbation of the energy level of the deprotonated L or HL upon coordination with {Ru(acac)₂}, {Ru(bpy)₂}, or {Ru(pap)₂} led to the smaller energy gap in the frontier molecular orbitals (FMO), resulting in bathochromically shifted NIR absorption bands (800–2000 nm) in the accessible redox states of the complexes, which varied to some extent as a function of the ancillary ligands. Spectroelectrochemical (UV/Vis/NIR, EPR) studies along with DFT/TD‐DFT calculations revealed (i) involvement of deprotonated L or HL in the oxidation processes owing to its redox non‐innocent potential and (ii) metal (Ru^III/Ru^II) or bpy/pap dominated reduction processes in 1 ⁺ or 2 ²⁺/ 3 ⁺/ 4 ²⁺/ 5 ⁺, respectively.     

Synthesis,Characterization, Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Properties of [Ru(dppt)(bpy)Cl]+ and [Ru(pta)(bpy)Cl]+

Two novel Ru^II complexes [Ru(dppt)(bpy)Cl]ClO₄ (1) and [Ru(pta)(bpy)Cl]ClO₄ (2)[dppt, pta and bpy = 3-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)-5,6-diphenyl-as-triazine, 3-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)-as-triazino[5,6-f]acenaphthylene and 2,2-bipyridine, respectively] were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and electrospray mass spectrometry, ¹H-n.m.r., and u.v.–vis spectroscopy. The redox properties of the complexes were examined using cyclic voltammetry. Due to the strong -accepting character of asymmetric ligands, the MLCT bands of (1) and (2) are shifted significantly to lower energies by comparison with [Ru(tpy)(bpy)Cl]⁺.     

Density Functional Theory Calculations on Oxidative CC Bond Cleavage and NO Bond Formation of [RuII(bpy)2(diamine)]2+ via Reactive Ruthenium Imide Intermediates

DFT calculations are performed on [Ru^II(bpy)₂(tmen)]²⁺ ( M1 , tmen=2,3‐dimethyl‐2,3‐butanediamine) and [Ru^II(bpy)₂(heda)]²⁺ ( M2 , heda=2,5‐dimethyl‐2,5‐hexanediamine), and on the oxidation reactions of M1 to give the C?C bond cleavage product [Ru^II(bpy)₂(NH=CMe₂)₂]²⁺ ( M3 ) and the N?O bond formation product [Ru^II(bpy)₂(ONCMe₂CMe₂NO)]²⁺ ( M4 ). The calculated geometrical parameters and oxidation potentials are in good agreement with the experimental data. As revealed by the DFT calculations, [Ru^II(bpy)₂(tmen)]²⁺ ( M1 ) can undergo oxidative deprotonation to generate Ru‐bis(imide) [Ru(bpy)₂(tmen‐4 H)]⁺ ( A ) or Ru‐imide/amide [Ru(bpy)₂(tmen‐3 H)]²⁺ ( A′ ) intermediates. Both A and A′ are prone to C?C bond cleavage, with low reaction barriers (ΔG^≠) of 6.8 and 2.9 kcal mol^?1 for their doublet spin states ² A and ² A′ , respectively. The calculated reaction barrier for the nucleophilic attack of water molecules on ² A′ is relatively high (14.2 kcal mol^?1). These calculation results are in agreement with the formation of the Ru^II‐bis(imine) complex M3 from the electrochemical oxidation of M1 in aqueous solution. The oxidation of M1 with Ce^IV in aqueous solution to afford the Ru^II‐dinitrosoalkane complex M4 is proposed to proceed by attack of the cerium oxidant on the ruthenium imide intermediate. The findings of ESI‐MS experiments are consistent with the generation of a ruthenium imide intermediate in the course of the oxidation.     

Selective Generation of Formamides through Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Catalyzed by Ruthenium Carbonyl Compounds

The selective formation of dialkyl formamides through photochemical CO₂ reduction was developed as a means of utilizing CO₂ as a C₁ building block. Photochemical CO₂ reduction catalyzed by a [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)₂]²⁺ (bpy: 2,2′‐bipyridyl)/[Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺/Me₂NH/Me₂NH₂⁺ system in CH₃CN selectively produced dimethylformamide. In this process a ruthenium carbamoyl complex ([Ru(bpy)₂(CO)(CONMe₂)]⁺) formed by the nucleophilic attack of Me₂NH on [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)₂]²⁺ worked as the precursor to DMF. Thus Me₂NH acted as both the sacrificial electron donor and the substrate, while Me₂NH₂⁺ functioned as the proton source. Similar photochemical CO₂ reductions using R₂NH and R₂NH₂⁺ (R=Et, nPr, or nBu) also afforded the corresponding dialkyl formamides (R₂NCHO) together with HCOOH as a by‐product. The main product from the CO₂ reduction transitioned from R₂NCHO to HCOOH with increases in the alkyl chain length of the R₂NH. The selectivity between R₂NCHO and HCOOH was found to depend on the rate of [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)(CONR₂)]⁺ formation.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and X‐ray Structures of Ru3(CO)9(dotpm)(L) Complexes [L = PPh3, P(C6H4Cl‐p)3, and PPh2(C6H4Br‐p)]

The reaction of Ru₃(CO)₁₀(dotpm) ( 1 ) [dotpm = (bis(di‐ortho‐tolylphosphanyl)methane)] and one equivalent of L [L = PPh₃, P(C₆H₄Cl‐p)₃ and PPh₂(C₆H₄Br‐p)] in refluxing n‐hexane afforded a series of derivatives [Ru₃(CO)₉(dotpm)L] ( 2 – 4 ), respectively, in ca. 67–70 % yield. Complexes 2 – 4 were characterized by elemental analysis (CHN), IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C{¹H} NMR and ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of 2 , 3 , and 4 were established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The bidentate dotpm and monodentate phosphine ligands occupy equatorial positions with respect to the Ru triangle. The effect of substitution resulted in significant differences in the Ru–Ru and Ru–P bond lengths.     

Aktivierung von Schwefelkohlenstoff an Trirutheniumclustern: Synthese und Kristallstruktur von [Ru3(CO)5(μ‐H)2(μ‐PCy2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2){μ‐η2‐PCy2C(S)}(μ3‐S)] und [Ru3(CO)5(CS)(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐PCy2)2(μ3‐S)]

Activation of Carbon Disulfide on Triruthenium Clusters: Synthesis and X‐Ray Crystal Structure Analysis of [Ru₃(CO)₅(μ‐H)₂(μ‐PCy₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂){μ‐η²‐PCy₂C(S)}(μ₃‐S)] and [Ru₃(CO)₅(CS)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐PCy₂)₂(μ₃‐S)] [Ru₃(CO)₆(μ‐H)₂(μ‐PCy₂)₂(μ‐dppm)] ( 1 ) (dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) reacts under mild conditions with CS₂ and yields by oxidative decarbonylation and insertion of CS into one phosphido bridge the opened 50 VE‐cluster [Ru₃(CO)₅(μ‐H)₂(μ‐PCy₂)(μ‐dppm){μ‐η²‐PCy₂C(S)}(μ₃‐S)] ( 2 ) with only two M–M bonds. The compound 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 with a = 19.093(3), b = 12.2883(12), c = 20.098(3) Å; α = 84.65(3), β = 77.21(3), γ = 81.87(3)° and V = 2790.7(11) ų. The reaction of [Ru₃(CO)₇(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐PCy₂)₂] ( 3 ) with CS₂ in refluxing toluene affords the 50 VE‐cluster [Ru₃(CO)₅(CS)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐PCy₂)₂(μ₃‐S)] ( 4 ). The compound cristallizes in the monoclinic space group P 2₁/a with a = 19.093(3), b = 12.2883(12), c = 20.098(3) Å; β = 104.223(16)° and V = 4570.9(10) ų. Although in the solid state structure one elongated Ru–Ru bond has been found the complex 4 can be considered by means of the ³¹P‐NMR data as an electron‐rich metal cluster.     

Substituents dependent capability of bis(ruthenium-dioxolene-terpyridine) complexes toward water oxidation

The bridging ligand, 1,8-bis(2,2':6',2'-terpyrid-4'-yl)anthracene (btpyan) was synthesized by the Miyaura-Suzuki cross coupling reaction of anthracenyl-1,8-diboronic acid and 4'-triflyl-2,2':6'-2'-terpyridine in the presence of Pd(PPh(3))(4) (5 mol%) with 68% in yield. Three ruthenium-dioxolene dimers, [Ru(2)(OH)(2)(dioxolene)(2)(btpyan)](0) (dioxolene = 3,6-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzosemiquinone ([1](0)), 3,5-dichloro-1,2-benzosemiquinone ([2](0)) and 4-nitro-1,2-benzosemiquinone ([3](0))) were prepared by the reaction of [Ru(2)Cl(6)(btpyan)](0) with the corresponding catechol. The electronic structure of [1](0) is approximated by [Ru(II)(2)(OH)(2)(sq)(2)(btpyan)](0) (sq = semiquinonato). On the other hand, the electronic states of [2](0) and [3](0) are close to [Ru(III)(2)(OH)(2) (cat)(2)(btpyan)](0) (cat = catecholato), indicating that a dioxolene having electron-withdrawing groups stabilizes [Ru(III)(2)(OH)(2)(cat)(2)(btpyan)](0) rather than [Ru(II)(2)(OH)(2)(sq)(2)(btpyan)](0) as resonance isomers. No sign was found of deprotonation of the hydroxo groups of [1](0), whereas [2](0) and [3](0) showed an acid-base equilibrium in treatments with t-BuOLi followed by HClO(4). Furthermore, controlled potential electrolysis of [1](0) deposited on an ITO (indium-tin oxide) electrode catalyzed the four-electron oxidation of H(2)O to evolve O(2) at potentials more positive than +1.6 V (vs. SCE) at pH 4.0. On the other hand, the electrolysis of [2](0) and [3](0) deposited on ITO electrodes did not show catalytic activity for water oxidation under similar conditions. Such a difference in the reactivity among [1](0), [2](0) and [3](0) is ascribed to the shift of the resonance equilibrium between [Ru(II)(2)(OH)(2)(sq)(2)(btpyan)](0) and [Ru(III)(2)(OH)(2)(cat)(2)(btpyan)](0).     

Koordinativ ungesättigte Dirutheniumkomplexe: Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von [Ru2(CO)n(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)] (n = 4; 5) und [Ru2(CO)4(μ‐CH2)(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)]

Coordinatively Unsaturated Diruthenium Complexes: Synthesis and X‐ray Crystal Structures of [Ru₂(CO)_n(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)] (n = 4; 5) and [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐CH₂)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)] The reaction of [Ru₂(μ‐CO)(CO)₅(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(^tBu₂PH)] ( 2 ) with dppm yields the dinuclear species [Ru₂(μ‐CO)(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 3 ) (dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂). Under thermal or photolytic conditions 3 loses very easily one carbonyl ligand and affords the corresponding electronically and coordinatively unsaturated complex [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 4 ). 4 is also obtainable by an one‐pot synthesis from [Ru₃(CO)₁₂], an excess of ^tBu₂PH and stoichiometric amounts of dppm via the formation of [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(^tBu₂PH)₂] ( 1 ). 4 exhibits a Ru–Ru double bond which could be confirmed by addition of methylene to the dimetallacyclopropane [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐CH₂)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 5 ). The molecular structures of 3 , 4 and 5 were determined by X‐ray crystal structure analyses.     

Three Distinct Redox States of an Oxo‐Bridged Dinuclear Ruthenium Complex

A series of [{(terpy)(bpy)Ru}(μ‐O){Ru(bpy)(terpy)}]ⁿ⁺ ( [RuORu]ⁿ⁺ , terpy=2,2′;6′,2′′‐terpyridine, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) was systematically synthesized and characterized in three distinct redox states (n=3, 4, and 5 for Ru^II,III₂ , Ru^III,III₂ , and Ru^III,IV₂ , respectively). The crystal structures of [RuORu]ⁿ⁺ (n=3, 4, 5) in all three redox states were successfully determined. X‐ray crystallography showed that the Ru? O distances and the Ru‐O‐Ru angles are mainly regulated by the oxidation states of the ruthenium centers. X‐ray crystallography and ESR spectra clearly revealed the detailed electronic structures of two mixed‐valence complexes, [Ru^IIIORu^IV]⁵⁺ and [Ru^IIORu^III]³⁺ , in which each unpaired electron is completely delocalized across the oxo‐bridged dinuclear core. These findings allow us to understand the systematic changes in structure and electronic state that accompany the changes in the redox state.     

Chemistry of ruthenium in N2P2X2 (X = Cl, Br) coordination sphere: Synthesis, characterization and reactivities

Reaction of 2-(phenylazo)pyridine (pap) with [Ru(PPh₃)₃X₂] (X = Cl, Br) in dichloromethane solution affords [Ru(PPh₃)₂(pap)X₂]. These diamagnetic complexes exhibit a weakdd transition and two intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. In dichloromethane solution they display a one-electron reduction of pap near − 0.90 V vs SCE and a reversible ruthenium(II)-ruthenium(III) oxidation near 0.70 V vs SCE. The [Ru^III(PPh₃)₂(pap)Cl₂]⁺ complex cation, generated by coulometric oxidation of [Ru(PPh₃)₂(pap)Cl₂], shows two intense LMCT transitions in the visible region. It oxidizes N,N-dimethylaniline and [Ru^II(bpy)₂Cl₂] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) to produce N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylbenzidine and [Ru^III(bpy)₂Cl₂]⁺ respectively. Reaction of [Ru(PPh₃)₂(pap)X₂] with Ag⁺ in ethanol produces [Ru(PPh₃)₂(pap)(EtOH)₂]²⁺ which upon further reaction with L (L = pap, bpy, acetylacetonate ion(acac⁻) and oxalate ion (ox²⁻)) gives complexes of type [Ru(PPh₃)₂(pap)(L)]ⁿ⁺ (n = 0, 1, 2). All these diamagnetic complexes show a weakdd transition and several intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. The ruthenium(II)-ruthenium(III) oxidation potential decreases in the order (of L): pap > bpy > acac⁻ > ox²⁻. Reductions of the coordinated pap and bpy are also observed.