Synthesis, characterization and electrochemistry of 4'-functionalized 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine ruthenium(II) complexes and their biological activity

The synthesis and characterization of Ru(II) terpyridine complexes derived from 4'-functionalized 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine ligands by a multi step procedure have been described. The complexes are redox-active, showing both metal-centred (oxidation) and ligand-centred (reduction) processes. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the synthesized ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(attpy)2](PF6)2 (attpy = 4'-(4-acryloyloxymethylphenyl)-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine); [Ru(mttpy)2](PF6)2 (mttpy = 4'-(4-methacryloyloxymethylphenyl)-2,2':6',2'- terpyridine); [Ru(mttpy)(MeOPhttpy)](PF6)2 (MeOPhttpy = 4'-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine); and [Ru(mttpy)(ttpy)](PF6)2 (ttpy = 4'-(4-methylphenyl)-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) were tested against four human pathogens (Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and five plant pathogens (Curvularia lunata, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium udum, Macrophomina phaseolina and Rhizoctonia solani) by the well diffusion method and MIC values of the complexes are reported. A biological study of the complexes indicated that the complexes [Ru(mttpy)2](PF6)2 and [Ru(mttpy)(MeOPhttpy)](PF6)2 exhibit very good activity against most of the test pathogens and their activity is better than those of some of the commercially available antibiotics like tetracycline and the fungicide carbendazim.     

Structural development of free or coordinated 4'-(4-pyridyl)-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine ligands through N-alkylation: new strategies for metallamacrocycle formation

A series of N-alkylated derivatives of [Ru(pytpy)(2)]2+ (pytpy=4'-(4-pyridyl)-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) has been synthesised and characterised. These include both model and functionalised complexes that complement previously reported iron(II) analogues. Reaction of [Ru(pytpy)(2)]2+ with bis[4-(bromomethyl)phenyl]methane leads to the formation of a [2+2] ruthenamacrocycle. Related ferramacrocycles could not be accessed by this route, and instead were prepared in two steps by first reacting bis[4-(bromomethyl)phenyl]methane or 4,4'-bis(bromomethyl)biphenyl with two equivalents of pytpy, and then treating the resulting bis(N-alkylated) product with iron(II) salts.     

Structural, redox, and photophysical studies of the tetra(pyridyl)porphyrin complex containing four (2,2'-bipyridine)(2,2':6',2"-terpyridine)ruthenium(II) groups

New hybrid complexes of polypyridyl ruthenium and pyridylporphyrins have been prepared by the coordination of pyridyl nitrogens to the ruthenium centers. A 1:4 hybrid complex, [{Ru(bpy)(trpy)}4(mu4-H2Py4P)]8+ ([1]8+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; trpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine; H2Py4P = 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrin), has been characterized by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. A 1:1 complex, [{Ru(bpy)(trpy)}(H2PyT3P)]2+ ([2]2+) (H2PyT3P = 5-(4-pyridyl)tritolylporphyrin) has also been prepared. The Soret band of the porphyrin ring shifts to longer wavelength with some broadening, the extent of the shift being larger for [1]8+. Cyclic voltammograms of the two complexes show simple overlap of the component redox waves. The complexes are weakly emissive at room temperature, which becomes stronger at lower temperatures. While [1]8+ at >140 K and [2]2+ at 77-280 K show only porphyrin fluorescence, [1]8+ at <140 K shows ruthenium and porphyrin phosphorescence, in addition to the porphyrin fluorescence.     

Ruthenium(II) complexes with improved photophysical properties based on planar 4'-(2-pyrimidinyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine ligands

A series of new tridentate polypyridine ligands, made of terpyridine chelating subunits connected to various substituted 2-pyrimidinyl groups, and their homoleptic and heteroleptic Ru(II) complexes have been prepared and characterized. The new metal complexes have general formulas [(R-pm-tpy)Ru(tpy)]2+ and [Ru(tpy-pm-R)2]2+ (tpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine; R-pm-tpy = 4'-(2-pyrimidinyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine with R = H, methyl, phenyl, perfluorophenyl, chloride, and cyanide). Two of the new metal complexes have also been characterized by X-ray analysis. In all the R-pm-tpy ligands, the pyrimidinyl and terpyridyl groups are coplanar, allowing an extended delocalization of acceptor orbital of the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited state. The absorption spectra, redox behavior, and luminescence properties of the new Ru(II) complexes have been investigated. In particular, the photophysical properties of these species are significantly better compared to those of [Ru(tpy)2]2+ and well comparable with those of the best emitters of Ru(II) polypyridine family containing tridentate ligands. Reasons for the improved photophysical properties lie at the same time in an enhanced MLCT-MC (MC = metal centered) energy gap and in a reduced difference between the minima of the excited and ground states potential energy surfaces. The enhanced MLCT-MC energy gap leads to diminished efficiency of the thermally activated pathway for the radiationless process, whereas the similarity in ground and excited-state geometries causes reduced Franck Condon factors for the direct radiationless decay from the MLCT state to the ground state of the new complexes in comparison with [Ru(tpy)2]2+ and similar species.     

Synthesis, luminescence, and electrochemical studies of tris(homoleptic) ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes of 6'-tolyl-2,2':4',2'-terpyridine

The synthesis and photophysical and electrochemical properties of tris(homoleptic) complexes [Ru(tpbpy)3](PF6)2 (1) and [Os(tpbpy)3](PF6)2 (2) (tpbpy = 6'-tolyl-2,2':4',2' '-terpyridine) are reported. The ligand tpbpy is formed as the side product during the synthesis of 4'-tolyl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine (ttpy) and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction: monoclinic, P21/c. The tridentate tpbpy coordinates as a bidentate ligand. The complexes 1 and 2 exhibit two intense absorption bands in the UV region (200-350 nm) assignable to the ligand-centered (1LC) pi-pi* transitions. The ruthenium(II) complex exhibits a broad absorption band at 470 nm while the osmium(II) complex exhibits an intense absorption band at 485 nm and a weak band at 659 nm assignable to the MLCT (dpi-pi*) transitions. A red shifting of the dpi-pi* MLCT transition is observed on going from the Ru(II) to the Os(II) complex as expected from the high-lying dpi Os orbitals. These complexes exhibit ligand-sensitized emission at 732 and 736 nm, respectively, upon light excitation onto their MLCT band through excitation of higher energy LC bands at room temperature. The MLCT transitions and the emission maxima of 1 and 2 are substantially red-shifted compared to that of [Ru(bpy)3](PF6)2 and [Os(bpy)3](PF6)2. The emission of both the complexes in the presence of acid is completely quenched indicating that the emission is not due to the protonation of the coordinated ligands. Our results indicate the occurrence of intramolecular energy transfer from the ligand to the metal center. Both the complexes undergo quasi-reversible metal-centered oxidation, and the E1/2 values for the M(II)/M(III) redox couples (0.94 and 0.50 V versus Ag/Ag+ for 1 and 2, respectively) are cathodically shifted with respect to that of [Ru(bpy)3](PF6)2 and [Os(bpy)3](PF6)2 (E1/2 = 1.28 and 1.09 V versus Ag/Ag+, respectively). The tris(homoleptic) Ru(II) and Os(II) complexes 1 and 2 could be used to construct polynuclear complexes by using the modular synthetic approach in coordination compounds by exploiting the coordinating ability of the pyridine substituent. Furthermore, these complexes offer the possibility of studying the influence of electron-withdrawing and electron-donating substituents on the photophysical properties of Ru(II) and Os(II) polypyridine complexes.     

Luminescent bis-tridentate ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes based on terpyridyl-imidazole ligand: synthesis, structural characterization, photophysical, electrochemical, and solvent dependence studies

Homo- and heteroleptic bis-tridentate ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes of compositions [(tpy-PhCH(3))Ru(tpy-HImzPh(3))](ClO(4))(2) (1), [(H(2)pbbzim)Ru(tpy-HImzPh(3))] (ClO(4))(2) (2) and [M(tpy-HImzPh(3))(2)](ClO(4))(2) [M = Ru(II) (3) and Os(II) (4)], where tpy-PhCH(3) = p-methylphenyl terpyridine, H(2)pbbzim = 2,6-bis(benzimidazole-2-yl)pyridine and tpy-HImzPh(3) = 4'-[4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-phenyl]-[2,2':6',2']terpyridine, have been synthesized and characterized by using standard analytical and spectroscopic techniques. These compounds were designed to increase the room temperature excited-state lifetimes of bisterpyridine-type ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes. The X-ray crystal structures of two homoleptic complexes 3 and 4 have been determined and show that both the compounds crystallized in orthorhombic form with space group Fddd. The photophysical and redox properties of the complexes have been thoroughly investigated. All the complexes display moderately strong luminescence at room temperature with lifetimes in the range of 6-35 ns. The complexes are found to undergo one reversible oxidation in the positive potential window (0 to +1.6 V) and one irreversible and two successive quasi-reversible reductions in the negative potential window (0 to -2.0 V). The influence of solvents on the photophysical properties of the complexes has also been investigated in detail.     

Electrochemical and luminescent properties of new mononuclear ruthenium(II) and binuclear iridium(III)-ruthenium(II) terpyridine complexes.

Hexafluorophosphate salts of mononuclear complexes [Ru(II)Cl(L)(terpy)]+ (L = dmbpy (1); dpbpy (2), sambpy (3), and dpp (7), and binuclear complexes [Ru(II)2Cl2(dpp)(terpy)2]2+ (8) and [Ir(III)Ru(II)Cl2(dpp)(terpy)2]3+ (9) were prepared and characterized. Abbreviations of the ligands are bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, dmbpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, dpbpy = 4,4'-diphenyl-2,2'-bipyridine, dpp = 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine, sambpy = 4,4'-bis((S)-(+)-alpha-1-phenylethylamido)-2,2'-bipyridine, and terpy = 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine. The absorption spectra of 8 and 9 are dominated by ligand-centered bands in the UV region and by metal-to-ligand charge-transfer bands in the visible region. The details of their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties were investigated. In both binuclear complexes, it has been found that the HOMO is based on the Ru metal, and LUMO is dpp-based. [Ir(III)Ru(II)Cl2(dpp)(terpy)2]3+, indicating intense emission at room temperature, and a lifetime of 154 ns. The long lifetime of this bimetallic chromophore makes it a useful component in the design of supramolecular complexes.     

Electronic energy transfer and collection in luminescent molecular rods containing ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine complexes linked by thiophene-2,5-diyl spacers

The electronic absorption spectra, luminescence spectra and lifetimes (in MeCN at room temperature and in frozen n-C3H7CN at 77 K), and electrochemical potentials (in MeCN) of the novel dinuclear [(tpy)Ru(3)Os(tpy)]4+ and trinuclear [(tpy)Ru(3)Os(3)Ru(tpy)]6- complexes (3 = 2,5-bis(2,2':6',2'-terpyridin-4-yl)thiophene) have been obtained and are compared with those of model mononuclear complexes and homometallic [(tpy)Ru(3)Ru(tpy)]4+, [(tpy)Os(3)Os(tpy)]4+ and [(tpy)Ru(3)Ru(3)Ru(tpy)]6+ Complexes. The bridging ligand 3 is nearly planar in the complexes, as seen from a preliminary X-ray determination of [(tpy)Ru(3)Ru(tpy)][PF6]4, and confers a high degree of rigidity upon the polynuclear species. The trinuclear species are rod-shaped with a distance of about 3 nm between the terminal metal centres. For the polynuclear complexes, the spectroscopic and electrochemical data are in accord with a significant intermetal interaction. All of the complexes are luminescent (phi in the range 10(-4)-10(-2) and tau in the range 6-340 ns, at room temperature), and ruthenium- or osmium-based luminescence properties can be identified. Due to the excited state properties of the various components and to the geometric and electronic properties of the bridge, Ru --> Os directional transfer of excitation energy takes place in the complexes [(tpy)Ru(3)Os(tpy)]4+ (end-to-end) and [(tpy)Ru(3)Os(3)Ru(tpy)]6+ (periphery-to-centre). With respect to the homometallic case, for [(tpy)Ru(3)Os(3)Ru(tpy)]6+ excitation trapping at the central position is accompanied by a fivefold enhancement of luminescence intensity.     

TiO2纳米颗粒对钌(II)三联吡啶配合物光损伤小牛胸腺DNA能力的影响

由于极短的激发态寿命, 钌(II)三联吡啶配合物对脱氧核糖核酸(DNA)的光损伤能力低下. 设计合成了三个钌(II)三联吡啶配合物[Ru(ttp)(tpy)]^2＋ (1), [Ru(ttp-COOH)(tpy)]^2＋ (2)和[Ru(ttp-COOH)(tpy-pyr)]^2＋ (3), 其中tpy为2,2':6',2"-三联吡啶, ttp为4′-(4-甲苯基)-2,2':6',2"-三联吡啶, ttp-COOH为4′-(4-羧基苯基)-2,2':6',2"-三联吡啶, tpy-pyr为4'-(1-芘基)-2,2':6',2"-三联吡啶. 比较了TiO₂纳米颗粒对它们光损伤小牛胸腺DNA的影响. 发现TiO₂纳米颗粒在空气和氩气条件下均可显著提高配合物3光损伤DNA的能力. TiO₂纳米颗粒和配合物3间的光诱导电子转移作用及其该作用生成的钌(III)物种可能是促进配合物3对DNA光损伤的主要原因.     

Synthesis, structural characterization, photophysical, electrochemical, and anion-sensing studies of luminescent homo- and heteroleptic ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes based on terpyridyl-imidazole ligand

A series of hetero- and homoleptic tridentate ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes of compositions [(tpy-PhCH(3))Ru(tpy-HImzphen)](ClO(4))(2) (1), [(H(2)pbbzim)Ru(tpy-HImzphen)](ClO(4))(2) (2), and [M(tpy-HImzphen)(2)](ClO(4))(2) [M = Ru(II) (3) and Os(II) (4)], where tpy-PhCH(3) = 4'-(4-methylphenyl)-2,2':6',2"-terpyridine, H(2)pbbzim = 2,6-bis(benzimidazole-2-yl)pyridine and tpy-HImzphen = 2-(4-[2,2':6',2"]terpyridine-4'-yl-phenyl)-1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole, have been synthesized and characterized by using standard analytical and spectroscopic techniques. X-ray crystal structures of three complexes 2, 3, and 4 have been determined. The absorption spectra, redox behavior, and luminescence properties of the complexes have been thoroughly investigated. All of the complexes display moderately strong luminescence at room temperature with lifetimes in the range of 10-55 ns. The effect of solvents on the absorption and emission spectral behavior of the complexes has also been studied in detail. The anion sensing properties of all the complexes have been studied in solution using absorption, emission, and (1)H NMR spectral studies and by cyclic voltammetric (CV) measurements. It has been observed that the complexes 1, 3, and 4 act as sensors for F(-)only, whereas 2 acts as sensor for F(-), AcO(-), and to some extent for H(2)PO(4)(-). It is evident that in the presence of excess of anions deprotonation of the imidazole N-H fragment(s) occurs in all cases, an event which is signaled by the development of vivid colors visible with the naked eye. The receptor-anion binding/equilibrium constants have been evaluated.     

Self-assembled monolayers of Ru/Os dinuclear complexes: probing monolayer structure and interaction energies by electrochemical means

Monolayers of [Ru(bpy)2(micro-1)M2][PF6]4 salts (M = Os, Ru; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, 1 = 4'-(2,2'-bipyridin-4-yl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine, tpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine, and 2 = 4'-(4-pyridyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine) were self-assembled on platinum and investigated by fast-scan electrochemistry. The electrochemistry of the complexes in solution and confined to the surface in self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) exhibited an almost ideal behavior. Scan-rate-dependent measurements of the peak current density (jp) were used to determine interaction energies within the monolayer. It is shown that the tpy coordination sites of the dinuclear complexes interact more strongly within the SAM than the bipyridine-coordinated fragments. This result was supported by peak potential shifts, which are due to interaction forces in SAMs. The alignment of the rodlike complexes relative to the surface is discussed, and the results of molecular mechanics calculations indicate that the species adopt a tilted orientation.     

The role of monomers and dimers in the reduction of ruthenium(II) complexes of redox-active tetraazatetrapyridopentacene ligand

A combination of electrochemistry, spectroelectrochemistry, and 1H NMR has been used to study the reduction and solution speciation in acetonitrile of two mononuclear Ru complexes containing the redox-active 9,11,20,22-tetraazatetrapyrido [3,2-a:2',3'-c:3' ',2' '-l:2' ',3' '-n]pentacene (tatpp) ligand. These complexes, [(bpy)2Ru(tatpp)][PF6]2 (1[PF6]2), and [(phen)2Ru(tatpp)][PF6]2 (2[PF6]2) (where bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine and phen is 1,10-phenanthroline), form pi-pi stacked dimers (e.g., pi-{1}24+ and pi-{2}24+) in solution as determined by 1H NMR studies in an extended concentration range (90 - 5000 microM) as well as via simulation of the electrochemical data. The dimerization constant for 12+ in acetonitrile is 2 x 10(4) M(-1) as determined from the NMR data. Slightly higher dimerization constants (8 x 10(4) M(-1)) were obtained via simulation of the electrochemical data and are attributed to the presence of the supporting eletrolyte. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical data show that the pi-pi stacked dimers are electroreduced in two consecutive steps at -0.31 and -0.47 V vs Ag/AgCl, which is assigned to the uptake of one electron by each tatpp ligand in pi-{1}24+ to give first pi-{1}23+and then pi-{1}22+. At potentials negative of -0.6 V, the electrochemical data reveal two different reaction pathways depending on the complex concentration in solution. At low concentrations (< or =20 microM), the next electroreduction occurs on a monomeric species (e.g., [(bpy)2Ru(tatpp)]+/0) showing that the doubly reduced pi-pi dimer (pi-{1}22+ and pi-{2}22+) dissociates into monomers. At high concentrations (> or =100 microM), reduction of pi-{1}22+ or pi-{2}22+ induces another dimerization reaction, which we attribute to the formation of a sigma-bond between the radical tatpp ligands and is accompanied by the appearance of a new peak in the absorption spectrum at 535 nm. This new sigma-dimer can undergo one additional tatpp based reduction to form sigma-{1}20 or sigma-{2}20, in which the tatpp-bridged assembly is the site of all four reductions. Finally, potentials negative of -1.2 V result in the electroreduction of the bpy or phen ligands for complexes 12+ or 22+, respectively. For the latter complex 22+, this process is accompanied by the formation of an electrode adsorbed species.     

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.     

Formation, reactivity, and photorelease of metal bound nitrosyl in [Ru(trpy)(L)(NO)](n+) (trpy = 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine, L = 2-phenylimidazo[4,5-f]1,10-phenanthroline)

Nitrosyl complexes with {Ru-NO} (6) and {Ru-NO} (7) configurations have been isolated in the framework of [Ru(trpy)(L)(NO)] ( n+ ) [trpy = 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine, L = 2-phenylimidazo[4,5- f]1,10-phenanthroline] as the perchlorate salts [ 4](ClO 4) 3 and [ 4](ClO 4) 2, respectively. Single crystals of protonated material [ 4-H (+)](ClO 4) 4.2H 2O reveal a Ru-N-O bond angle of 176.1(7) degrees and triply bonded N-O with a 1.127(9) A bond length. Structures were also determined for precursor compounds of [ 4] (3+) in the form of [Ru(trpy)(L)(Cl)](ClO 4).4.5H 2O and [Ru(trpy)(L-H)(CH 3CN)](ClO 4) 3.H 2O. In agreement with largely NO centered reduction, a sizable shift in nu(NO) frequency was observed on moving from [ 4] (3+) (1953 cm (-1)) to [ 4] (2+) (1654 cm (-1)). The Ru (II)-NO* in isolated or electrogenerated [ 4] (2+) exhibits an EPR spectrum with g 1 = 2.020, g 2 = 1.995, and g 3 = 1.884 in CH 3CN at 110 K, reflecting partial metal contribution to the singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO); (14)N (NO) hyperfine splitting ( A 2 = 30 G) was also observed. The plot of nu(NO) versus E degrees ({RuNO} (6) --> {RuNO} (7)) for 12 analogous complexes [Ru(trpy)(L')(NO)] ( n+ ) exhibits a linear trend. The electrophilic Ru-NO (+) species [ 4] (3+) is transformed to the corresponding Ru-NO 2 (-) system in the presence of OH (-) with k = 2.02 x 10 (-4) s (-1) at 303 K. In the presence of a steady flow of dioxygen gas, the Ru (II)-NO* state in [ 4] (2+) oxidizes to [ 4] (3+) through an associatively activated pathway (Delta S++ = -190.4 J K (-1) M (-1)) with a rate constant ( k [s (-1)]) of 5.33 x 10 (-3). On irradiation with light (Xe lamp), the acetonitrile solution of paramagnetic [Ru(trpy)(L)(NO)] (2+) ([ 4] (2+)) undergoes facile photorelease of NO ( k NO = 2.0 x 10 (-1) min (-1) and t 1/2 approximately 3.5 min) with the concomitant formation of the solvate [Ru (II)(trpy)(L)(CH 3CN)] (2+) [ 2'] (2+). The photoreleased NO can be trapped as an Mb-NO adduct.     

Water-soluble alkylated bis{4'-(4-pyridyl)-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine}ruthenium(II) complexes for use as photosensitizers in water oxidation: a complementary experimental and TD-DFT investigation

A series of N-alkylated derivatives [RuL(2)][PF(6)](4) has been prepared from [Ru(pytpy)(2)][PF(6)](2) (N-alkyl substituent = 4-cyanobenzyl, 4-nitrobenzyl, ethyl, cyanomethyl, allyl, octyl). Solution NMR spectroscopic, electrochemical and photophysical properties are reported, along with the single crystal structure of [Ru(4)(2)][PF(6)](4)·H(2)O (4 = 4'-(4-(1-ethylpyridinio))-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine). Anion exchange leads to the water-soluble [RuL(2)][HSO(4)](4) salts (N-alkyl substituent = benzyl, 4-cyanobenzyl, 4-nitrobenzyl, ethyl, cyanomethyl, allyl, octyl) and the NMR spectroscopic signatures of pairs of hexafluoridophosphate and hydrogensulfate salts are compared. The change in anion has little effect on the energies of absorptions in the electronic spectra, although for all complexes, decreases in extinction coefficients are observed. The emission spectra and lifetimes for the hexafluoridophosphate and hydrogensulfate salts show similar trends; all exhibit an emission close to 720-730 nm (λ(ex) = 510 nm). For a given ligand, L, the emission lifetime decreases on going from [RuL(2)][PF(6)](4) to [RuL(2)][HSO(4)](4). However, trends are the same for both salts, i.e. the longest lived emitters are observed for N-ethyl, N-octyl and N-benzyl derivatives, and the shortest lived emitters are those containing cyano or nitro groups. Significantly, in the absorption spectra of the complexes, there is little variation in the energy of the MLCT band, suggesting that the character of the ligand orbital involved in the transition contains no character from the N-substituent. We have addressed this by carrying out a complementary DFT and TD-DFT study. Calculated absorption spectra predict a red shift in λ(max) on going from [Ru(pytpy)(2)](2+) to [RuL(2)](4+), and little variation in λ(max) within the series of [RuL(2)](4+) complexes; these results agree with experimental observations. Analysis of the compositions of the MOs involved in the MLCT transitions explain the experimental observations, showing that there is no contribution from orbitals on the N-alkyl substituents, consistent with the fact that the nature of the N-substituents has little influence on the energy of the MLCT band. The theoretical results also reveal satisfactory agreement between calculated and crystallographic data for [Ru(1)(2)](4+) (1 = 4'-(4-(1-benzylpyridinio))-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) and [Ru(4)(2)](4+).     

Cu(NO3)2.3H2O-mediated synthesis of 4'-(2-pyridyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine (L2) from N-(2-pyridylmethyl)pyridine-2-methylketimine (L1). A C-C bond-forming reaction and the structure of {[Cu(L2)(OH)(NO3)][Cu(L2)(NO3)2]}.2H2O

N-(2-Pyridylmethyl)pyridine-2-methylketimine (L1) was synthesized from equimolar quantities of (2-pyridyl)methylamine and 2-acetylpyridine. Methanolic solution of L1 reacted readily with Cu(NO3)2.3H2O in air, affording green solid of composition {[Cu(L2)(OH)(NO3)][Cu(L2)(NO3)2]}.2H2O, where L2 is 4'-(2-pyridyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine. Oxidation of the active methylene group of L1 to an imide and then condensation with 2-acetylpyridine involving a C-C bond-forming reaction, mediated by a Cu2+ ion, are the essential steps involved in the conversion of L1 to L2. L2 is isolated by extrusion of Cu2+ with EDTA(2-). The copper center in [Cu(L2)(OH)(NO3)] has a mer-N3O3 environment, and that in [Cu(L2)(NO3)2] has a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal geometry. Two H2O molecules held by C-H...O interactions are present in the predominantly hydrophobic channels of approximate cavity dimension 7.60 x 6.50 A created by aromatic rings through pi-pi interactions.     

Ruthenium(II) complexes of 6,7-dicyanodipyridoquinoxaline: synthesis, luminescence studies, and DNA interaction

The hexaflurophosphate and chloride salts of a series of ruthenium(II) complexes incorporating a new dipyridophenazine-based ligand, dicnq (6,7-dicyanodipyrido[2,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline), are synthesized in good-to-moderate yields. These mono ([Ru(phen)2(dicnq)]2+; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), bis ([Ru(phen)(dicnq)2]2+), and tris ([Ru(dicnq)3]2+) complexes are fully characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, FAB-MS, 1H NMR, and cyclic voltammetric methods. Results of absorption titration and thermal denaturation studies reveal that these complexes are moderately strong binders of calf-thymus (CT) DNA, with their binding constants spanning the range (1-3) x 10(4) M-1. On the other hand, under the identical set of experimental conditions of light and drug dose, the DNA (pBR 322)-photocleavage abilities of these ruthenium(II) complexes follow the order [Ru(phen)2(dicnq)]2+ > [Ru(phen)(dicnq)2]2+ > [Ru(dicnq)3]2+, an order which is the same as that observed for their MLCT emission quantum yields. Steady-state emission studies carried out in nonaqueous solvents and in aqueous media with or without DNA reveal that while [Ru(dicnq)3]2+ is totally nonemissive under these solution conditions, both [Ru(phen)2(dicnq)]2+ and [Ru(phen)(dicnq)2]2+ are luminescent and function as "molecular light switches" for DNA. Successive addition of CT DNA to buffered aqueous solutions containing the latter two complexes results in an enhancement of the emission in each case, with the enhancement factors at saturation being approximately 16 and 8 for [Ru(phen)2(dicnq)]2+ and [Ru(phen)(dicnq)2]2+, respectively. These results are discussed in light of the relationship between the structure-specific deactivations of the MLCT excited states of these metallointercalators and the characteristic features of their DNA interactions, and attempts are made to compare and contrast their properties with those of analogous dipyridophenazine-based complexes, including the ones reported in the preceding paper.     

Synthesis and redox behavior of biferrocenyl-functionalized ruthenium(II) terpyridine gold clusters

Spectroscopic and electrochemical characterizations of ferrocene- and biferrocene-functionalized terpyridine octanethiolate monolayer-protected clusters were investigated and reported. The electrochemical measurements of Ru2+ coordinated with 4'-ferrocenyl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine and 4'-biferrocenyl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine complexes were dominated by the Ru2+/Ru3+ redox couple (E(1/2) at approximately 1.3 V), Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) redox couples (E(1/2) from approximately 0.6 to approximately 0.9 V), and terpy/terpy-/terpy2- redox couples (E(1/)(2) at ca. -1.2 and ca. -1.4 V). The substantial appreciable variations detected in the Ru2+/Ru3+ and Fe2+/Fe3+ oxidation potentials indicate that there is an interaction between the Ru2+ and Fe2+ metal centers. The coordination of the Ru2+ metal center with 4'-ferrocenyl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine and 4'-biferrocenyl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine leads to an intense 1[(d(pi)Fe)6] --> 1[d(pi)Fe)5(pi*terpyRu)1] transition in the visible region. The 1[(d(pi)Fe)6] -->1[d(pi)Fe)5(pi*terpyRu)1] transition observed at approximately 510 nm revealed that there was a qualitative electronic coupling between metal centers. The coordination of the Ru2+ transition metal center lowers the energy of the pi*terpy orbitals, causing this transition.     

Luminescent complexes of Re(I) and Ru(II) with appended macrocycle groups derived from 5,6-dihydroxyphenanthroline: cation and anion binding

A range of ligands in which a macrocyclic unit is fused to a 1,10-phenanthroline unit has been prepared starting from 5,6-dihydroxyphenanthroline. The ligands are L1 in which the pendant ligand is 18-crown-6; L2, in which the pendant ligand is benzo-24-crown-8; and L(3), in which the macrocycle contains two carboxamide units. Ligands L1 and L2 can bind Group 1 and 2 metal cations in their crown-ether cavities; L3 contains two H-bond (amide) donors and is suitable for anion-binding. Luminescent complexes of the form [Ru(bipy)2L]2+, [ReL(CO)3Cl] and [RuL(CN)4]2- were prepared and some were structurally characterised; their interactions with various guest species were investigated by luminescence and NMR spectroscopy. For complexes with the crown ethers (L1 and L2), binding of K+ was rather weak, but the electrostatic effect due to the charge on the host complex was clear with [RuL1(CN)4]2- binding K+ more strongly than [Ru(bipy)2L1]2+. Binding to the pendant crown ethers was much stronger with Ba2+, and both [ReL1(CO)3Cl] and [ReL2(CO)3Cl] showed substantial luminescence quenching in MeCN on addition of Ba2+ ions, with binding constants of 4.5 x 10(4) M(-1) for [ReL1(CO)3Cl]/Ba2+ and 1.3 x 10(5) M(-1) for [ReL2(CO)3Cl]/Ba2+. Complexes [Ru(bipy)2L3]2+ and [ReL3(CO)3Cl], due to their H-bond donor sites, showed binding of dihydrogenphosphate to the macrocycle. Whereas [ReL3(CO)3Cl] showed 1 : 1 binding with (H2PO4)- in dmso with a binding constant of 65 M(-1), [Ru(bipy)2L3]2+ showed 1 : 2 binding, with microscopic association constants of ca. 1 x 10(6) and 1.6 x 10(6) M(-1) in MeCN. The fact that K2 > K1 suggests a cooperative interaction whereby binding of the first anion makes binding of the second one easier to an extent which overcomes electrostatic effects, and a model for this is proposed which also accounts for the substantial increase in luminescence from [Ru(bipy)2L3]2+ (5-fold enhancement) when the second (H2PO4)- anion binds. Both [Ru(bipy)2L3]2+ and [ReL3(CO)3Cl] undergo complete luminescence quenching and a change in colour to near-black in the presence of (anhydrous) fluoride in MeCN, probably due to deprotonation of the carboxamide group. These changes are however irreversible on a long timescale and lead to slow decomposition.