Synthesis and properties of novel 5-(cyclohepta-2′,4′,6′-trienylidene)pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-triones: methodology for synthesizing cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates

Novel condensation reaction of tropone with N-substituted and N,N′-disubstitued barbituric acids in Ac₂O afforded 5-(cyclohepta-2′,4′,6′-trienylidene)pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-trione derivatives (8a-f) in moderate to good yields. The ¹³C NMR spectral study of 8a-f revealed that the contribution of zwitterionic resonance structures is less important as compared with that of 8,8-dicyanoheptafulvene. The rotational barriers (ΔG^‡) around the exocyclic double bond of mono-substituted derivatives 8a-c were obtained to be 14.51-15.03 kcal mol⁻¹ by the variable temperature ¹H NMR measurements. The electrochemical properties of 8a-f were also studied by CV measurement. Upon treatment with DDQ, 8a-c underwent oxidative cyclization to give two products, 7 and 9-substituted cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates (11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻) in various ratios, while that of disubstituted derivatives 8d-f afforded 7,9-disubstituted cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborate (11d-f·BF₄⁻) in good yields. Similarly, preparation of known 5-(1′-oxocycloheptatrien-2′-yl)-pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-trione derivatives (14a-d) and novel derivatives 14e,f was carried out. Treatment of 14a-c with aq. HBF₄/Ac₂O afforded two kinds of novel products 11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a,c·BF₄⁻ in various ratios, respectively, while that of 14d-f afforded 11d-f. The product ratios of 11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻ observed in two kinds of cyclization reactions were rationalized on the basis of MO calculations of model compounds 20a and 21a. The spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of 11a-f·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻ were studied, and structural characterization of 11c·BF₄⁻ based on the X-ray crystal analysis and MO calculation was also performed.     

A pyrazolyl-terminated 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine ligand: Iron(II), ruthenium(II) and palladium(II) complexes of 4′-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine

The preparation of 4′-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (2) under acidic conditions results in the formation of the salts [H₂2][MeOSO₃]₂ and [H₂2][EtOSO₃]₂, treatment of which with base leads to neutral 2. The structure of [H₂2][EtOSO₃]₂ · H₂O has been established by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The complexes [Fe(2)₂][PF₆]₂ and [Ru(2)₂][PF₆]₂ have been prepared and characterized, and the single crystal structure determination of [Ru(2)₂][PF₆]₂ is reported; [Fe(2)₂][PF₆]₂ is isostructural with [Ru(2)₂][PF₆]₂. Treatment of [Fe(2)₂]²⁺ with PdCl₂ produces [Pd(2)Cl]⁺, isolated and structurally characterized as the hexafluoridophosphate salt, illustrating that metal exchange within the tpy-binding domain occurs in preference to palladium(II) coordination by the N-donor atom of the pendant 3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl unit in 2. [Pd(2)Cl]²⁺ can also be prepared from PdCl₂ and [H₂2][MeOSO₃]₂ in refluxing methanol.     

A convenient synthesis of substituted 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridines

The 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridines 8a and 8b were prepared in good yield by reacting α-acetoxy-α-chloro-β-keto-esters 1 (R¹ = ⁿPr and Ph) with the bis-amidrazone 7 and 2,5-norbornadiene 5 in ethanol at reflux.     

Synthesis,structure, optical and magnetic properties of [CrL(X)3], {L = 4′-(2-pyridyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine; X = Cl,N3, NCS}

Three complexes of composition [CrL(X)₃], where L = 4′-(2-pyridyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine and X = Cl⁻, N₃⁻, NCS⁻ are synthesized. They are characterized by IR, UV–Vis, fluorescence, EPR spectroscopic, and X-ray crystallographic studies. Structural studies reveal that the Cr(III) ion is coordinated by three N atoms of L in a meridional fashion. The three anions occupy the other three coordination sites completing the mer-N₃Cl₃ (1) and mer-N₃N₃ (2 and 3), distorted octahedral geometry. The Cr–N2 has a shorter length than the Cr–N1 and Cr–N3 distances and the order Cr–N(NCS⁻) < Cr–N(N₃⁻) < Cr–Cl is observed. They exhibit some of the d–d transitions in the visible and intra-ligand transitions in the UV regions. The lowest energy d–d transition follows the trend [CrLCl₃] < [CrL(N₃)₃] < [CrL(NCS)₃] consistent with the spectrochemical series. In DMF, they exhibit fluorescence having π → π^∗ character. All the complexes show a rhombic splitting as well as zero-field splitting (zfs) in X-band EPR spectra at 77 K.     

Synthesis and characterization of 6,6″′-bis(anthracen-9-yl)-2,2′;6′,2″;6″,2″′-quaterpyridine

New bianthracene-quaterpyridine ligand 6,6″′-bis(anthracen-9-yl)-2,2′;6′,2″;6″,2″′-quaterpyridine L has been obtained in a multistep synthesis using Suzuki–Miyaura and Stille-type coupling reactions. The dianthracene ligand L has four nitrogen-donor atoms and can form different supramolecular architectures with transition metal ions. Ligand L and intermediate compounds have been characterized by spectroscopic methods and elemental analyses. 2-(Anthracen-9-yl)-6-bromopyridine and 6-(anthracen-9-yl)-6′-bromo-2,2′-bipyridine have been also characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis, characterization and electroluminescence of B(III) compounds: BPh2(2-(2-quinolyl)naphtho[b]imidazolato) and BPh2(2-(2-quinolyl)benzimidazolato)

Two novel luminescent boron compounds, BPh₂(2-(2-quinolyl)naphtho[b]imidazolato) (1) and BPh₂(2-(2-quinolyl)benzimidazolato) (2), have been synthesized by the reactions of triphenylboron with appropriate ligands, 2-(2-quinolyl)naphtho[b]imidazole (QNI) and 2-(2-quinolyl)benzimidazole (QBI), respectively. The structure of 1 was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, while 2 by spectroscopic methods. The structure of 1 reveals that the boron center is four coordinated. Several types of OLED possessing different colors were fabricated by using 1 as emitter. For the three-layer OLED with the structure ITO/NPB/2/Alq₃/Mg-Ag, an emission band covering the whole visible region from 400 to 750 nm with the maximum brightness of 320 cd/m² was observed, indicating a perfect white light OLED (CIE = 0.33, 0.37). Compounds 1 and 2 form a new family of organometallic emitting materials which could be of interest for practical application.     

A multi-channel sensor based on 8-hydroxyquinoline ferrocenoate for probing Hg(II) ion

A new sensing molecule 8-hydroxyquinoline ferrocenoate (Fc-Q) which combines ferrocene and 8-hydroxyquinoline moieties was synthesized and applied as a multi-channel sensor for the detection of Hg²⁺ ion. Fc-Q can coordinate with Hg²⁺ to give colorimetric, fluorescent and electrochemical responses. Upon complexation with Hg²⁺ ion, the characteristic absorption peak is red-shifted (Δλ = 45 nm), the fluorescent intensity is quenched at 303 nm, and the oxidation peak is cathodic shifted (ΔE_1/2 = −149 mV). Quantitatively analyzed Hg²⁺ ions at the range of ppb level could be achieved by electrochemical response. For the practical application of sensing Hg²⁺ in real world water, Fc-Q modified screen-printed carbon electrodes were obtained for facile, sensitive, and on-site analysis of Hg²⁺.     

Photoactive building blocks for coordination complexes: Gilding 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine

The alkyne unit of 4′-ethynyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine has been functionalized with Ph₃PAu, (2-tolyl)₃PAu or Au(dppe)Au units to produce compounds 1-3, respectively. These derivatives have been characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry, solution ¹H and ¹³C NMR, UV-Vis and emission spectroscopies, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. In the solid state, molecules of 1 or 2 pack with separated domains of tpy and R₃PAu units; the tpy units in 2 (but not 1) exhibit face-to-face π-stacking. Compound 3 crystallizes as 2(3)^.CHCl₃, and the folded conformation of the dppe backbone results in a short (2.9470(8) Å) aurophilic interaction. Folded molecule 3 captures CHCl₃, preventing intramolecular face-to-face π-interactions between the tpy units. In CH₂Cl₂ solution, 1-3 are emissive when excited between 230 and 300 nm, but over minutes when λ_ex = 230 nm, the emission bands decay as the compounds photodegrade.     

A one-pot synthesis of 3,3′-methylenebis(2-arylamino-4H-chromen-4-one) from C-(4-oxo-4H-1-benzopyran-3-yl)-N-arylnitrone

2-(Arylamino)-4-oxo-4H-chromene-3-carbaldehyde 3 (R² = aryl) produces 12H-chromeno[2,3-b]quinolin-12-one 4 when treated with sarcosine, piperidine or diethylamine, but produces 3,3′-methylenebis(2-arylamino-4H-chromen-4-one) 8 when treated with the same amine in the presence of an excess of formaldehyde. Compound 3 (R² = alkyl) was found to be less reactive than the N-aryl analogues towards the deformylative Mannich-type reaction.     

Substituted lithiumtrimethylsiloxysilanides LiSiRR′(OSiMe3) - Investigations of their synthesis, stability and reactivity

The reactions of the trimethylsiloxychlorosilanes (Me₃SiO)RR′SiCl (1a-h: R′ = Ph, 1a: R = H, 1b: R = Me, 1c: R = Et, 1d: R = ⁱPr, 1e: R = ^tBu, 1f: R = Ph, 1g: R = 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂ (Mes), 1h: R = 2,4,6-(Me₂CH)₃C₆H₂ (Tip); 1i: R = R′ = Mes) with lithium metal in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at −78 °C and in a mixture of THF/diethyl ether/n-pentane in a volume ratio 4:1:1 at −110 °C lead to mixtures of numerous compounds. Dependent on the substituents silyllithium derivatives (Me₃SiO)RR′SiLi (2b-i), Me₃SiO(RR′Si)₂Li (3a-g), Me₃SiRR′SiLi (4a-h), (LiO)RR′SiLi (12e, 12g-i), trisiloxanes (Me₃SiO)₂SiRR′ (5a-i) and trimethylsiloxydisilanes (6f^∗, 6h^∗, 6i^∗) are formed. All silyllithium compounds were trapped with Me₃SiCl or HMe₂SiCl resulting in the following products: (Me₃SiO)RR′SiSiMe₂R″ (6b-i: R″ = Me, 7c-i: R″ = H), Me₃SiO(RR′Si)₂SiMe₂R″ (8a-g: R″ = Me, 9a-g: R″ = H), Me₃SiRR′SiSiMe₂R″ (10a-h: R″ = Me, 11a-h: R″ = H) and (HMe₂SiO)RR′SiSiMe₂H (13e, 13g-i). The stability of trimethylsiloxysilyllithiums 2 depends on the substituents and on the temperature. (Me₃SiO)Mes₂SiLi (2i) is the most stable compound due to the high steric shielding of the silicon centre. The trimethylsiloxysilyllithiums 2a-g undergo partially self-condensation to afford the corresponding trimethylsiloxydisilanyllithiums Me₃SiO(RR′Si)₂Li (3a-g). (Me₃)Si-O bond cleavage was observed for 2e and 2g-i. The relatively stable trimethylsiloxysilyllithiums 2f, 2g and 2i react with n-butyllithium under nucleophilic butylation to give the n-butyl-substituted silyllithiums ⁿBuRR′SiLi (15g, 15f, 15i), which were trapped with Me₃SiCl. By reaction of 2g and 2i with 2,3-dimethylbuta-1,3-diene the corresponding 1,1-diarylsilacyclopentenes 17g and 17i are obtained.X-ray studies of 17g revealed a folded silacyclopentene ring with the silicon atom located 0.5 Å above the mean plane formed by the four carbon ring atoms.     

Application and details of photoinduced oxidative cyclization of 5-(4′,9′-methanocycloundeca-2′,4′,6′,8′,10′-pentaenylidene)pyrimidine-2,4,6(1,3,5H)-triones and related compounds

As novel methodology for synthesizing the furan ring, a photoinduced oxidative cyclization of 5-(4′,9′-methanocycloundeca-2′,4′,6′,8′,10′-pentaenylidene)pyrimidine-2,4,6(1,3,5H)-triones (7a-c) and related compounds 9a-c was accomplished to give 5,10-methanocycloundeca[4,5]furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1,3H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates (8a-c⁺·BF₄⁻) and related compounds 2a-c⁺·BF₄⁻, respectively. In the photoinduced oxidative cyclization, the molecular oxygen in air is used as oxidant and the reaction proceeds under mild conditions to give desired products without byproducts, and thus, it is interesting from the viewpoint of the green chemistry. On the reactions of the mono-substituted derivatives 7d,e and 9e,f, the selectivity of the photoinduced cyclizations were reversed as compared with those of the DDQ-promoted oxidative cyclizations. By the NMR monitoring of the reactions of 7a and deuterated compound 7a-D₂ under degassed conditions, the details of the reaction pathway were clarified and rationalized on the basis of the MO calculation by the 6-31G^∗ basis set of the MP2 levels as well.     

Synthesis, properties, and oxidizing function of 6-substituted 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrrole-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates

Uracil-annulated heteroazulenes, 6-substituted 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrrole-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates 7a,b·BF₄⁻, which are the isoelectronic compounds of 5-dezazaflavin, were synthesized. X-Ray crystal analysis and MO calculations were carried out to clarify the structural characteristics of 7a,b·BF₄⁻. The stability of cations 7a,b is expressed by the pK_R+ values which were determined spectrophotometrically to be 10.9 and 11.2, respectively. The electrochemical reduction of 7a,b exhibited high reduction potentials at −0.84 and −0.87 (V vs Ag/AgNO₃) upon cyclic voltammetry (CV). A good linear correlation between the pK_R+ values and reduction potentials (E1_red) of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ and reference compounds 4·BF₄⁻ and 5·BF₄⁻ was obtained. In a search of the reactivity, reactions of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ with some nucleophiles, hydride and diethylamine, were carried out to clarify that the introduction of nucleophiles to give regio-isomers is dependent on the nucleophile. The photo-induced oxidation reactions of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ toward some alcohols under aerobic conditions were carried out to give the corresponding carbonyl compounds in more than 100% yield [based on compounds 7a,b·BF₄⁻], suggesting the oxidizing function of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ toward alcohols in the autorecycling process.     

Kinetics and mechanistic studies of the interaction of thiosulfate with cis-diaqua-bis[1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole]ruthenium(II) complexes

The nucleophilic substitution reaction of S₂O₃²⁻ with [Ru(HaaiR′)₂(OH₂)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1) [HaaiR′ = 1-alkyl-2-(phenylazo)imidazole] and [Ru(ClaaiR′)₂(OH₂)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2) [ClaaiR′ = 1-alkyl-2-(chlorophenylazo)imidazole] [where R′ = Me(a), Et(b) or Bz(c)] in acetonitrile–water (50% v/v) medium to yield Na₂[Ru(HaaiR′)₂(S₂O₃)₂] (3a, 3b or 3c) and Na₂[Ru(ClaaiR′)₂(S₂O₃)₂] (4a, 4b or 4c) has been studied. The products were characterized by microanalytical data and spectroscopic techniques (UV–Vis, NMR and mass spectroscopy). The reaction proceeds in two consecutive steps (A → B → C); each step follows first order kinetics with respect to each complex and S₂O₃²⁻, and the first step second order rate constant (k′₂) is greater than the second step one (k″₂). An increase in the π-acidity of the ligand increases the rate. Thermodynamic parameters, the standard enthalpy of activation (Δ^‡H⁰) and the standard entropy of activation (Δ^‡S⁰), have been calculated for both steps using the Eyring equation from variable temperature kinetic studies. The low Δ^‡H⁰ and large negative Δ^‡S⁰ values indicate an associative mode of activation for both aqua ligand substitution processes.     

Synthesis and characterization of fluorinated ionomer p-perfluoro-[1-(2-sulfonic)ethoxy]ethylated polyacrylonitrile-styrene

Fluorinated ionomer p-perfluoro[1-(2-sulfonic)ethoxy]ethylated polyacrylonitrile-styrene (SFAS) (5) was synthesized via electron transfer reaction between polyacrylonitrile-styrene (AS) (1) and perfluoro-di[2-(2-fluorosulfonyl)ethoxy]propionyl peroxide (FAP) (2) and followed by alkali hydrolysis and acidification of p-perfluoro[1-(2-fluorosulfonyl)ethoxy]ethylated polyacrylonitrile-styrene (3). The microstructure of ionomer 5 was well characterized by FTIR and ¹⁹F NMR. Its desulfonation occurred above 197 °C was found by TGA, the degree of substitution (DS) and ion exchange capacity (IEC) determined by titration were well controlled through changing the molar ratio of 2:1. The proton exchange membranes made of ionomer 5 have water uptake from 13.4 to 135.3% and conductivity up to 10⁻² S cm⁻¹ at 25 °C.     

Synthesis, characterization, and electroluminescent properties of star shaped donor-acceptor dendrimers with carbazole dendrons as peripheral branches and heterotriangulene as central core

Luminescent and redox-active heterotriangulene-based dendrimers (G1 and G2) of first and second generation have been synthesized, and their photophysical properties, oxidation behaviors, and applications in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) have been investigated. The dendrimers show efficient aggregation-induced emissions originated from the carbazole dendrons, heterotriangulene core, intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT), and intermolecular aggregation absorptions. Highest-occupied molecular orbital and lowest-unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO and LUMO) values were acquired using UV-vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The OLEDs fabricated with G1 and G2 as non-doping emitters exhibit exclusive aggregation-induced luminescence peaking at 600 and 630 nm, respectively, and demonstrate a good performance with maximum luminance of 1586 cd m⁻² at current efficiency of 5.3 cd A⁻¹ for G1 and 827 cd m⁻² at current efficiency of 6.9 cd A⁻¹ for G2.     

Synthesis, structures and electrochemical properties of ruthenium (II) complexes bearing bidentate 1,8-naphthyridine and terpyridine analogous (N,N,C)-tridentate ligands

1,8-Naphthyridine (napy) and terpyridine-analogous (N,N,C) tridentate ligands coordinated ruthenium (II) complexes, [RuL(napy-κ²N,N′) (dmso)](PF₆)₂ (1: L=L¹=N″-methyl-4′-methylthio-2,2′:6′,4″-terpyridinium, 2: L = L² = N″-methyl-4′-methylthio-2,2′:6′,3″-terpyridinium) were prepared and their chemical and electrochemical properties were characterized. The structure of complex 1 was determined by X-ray crystallographic study, showing that it has a distorted octahedral coordination style. The cyclic voltammogram of 1 in DMF exhibited two reversible ligand-localized redox couples. On the other hand, the CV of 2 shows two irreversible cathodic peaks, due to the Ru-C bond of 2 containing the carbenic character. The IR spectra of 1 in CO₂-saturated CH₃CN showed the formation of Ru-(η¹-CO₂) and Ru-CO complexes under the controlled potential electrolysis of the solution at −1.44 V (vs. Fc/Fc⁺). The electrochemical reduction of CO₂ catalyzed by 1 at −1.54 V (vs. Fc/Fc⁺) in DMF-0.1 M Me₄NBF₄ produced CO with a small amount of HCO₂H.     

New iminophosphorane-mediated synthesis of thieno[3′,2′:4,5]thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones and 5H-2,3-dithia-5,7-diaza-cyclopenta[c,d]indenes

Mono(iminophosphorane) 4 was selectively prepared from the reaction of 3,4-diaminothieno[2,3-b]thiophene 3 with excess triphenylphosphine, C₂Cl₆, and Et₃N due to intramolecular double hydrogen bond formation. Mono(iminophosphorane) 4 reacted with aromatic isocyanates to give stable carbodiimides 8, which were further treated with aliphatic secondary or primary amines to give 2-amino substituted thieno[3′,2′:4,5]thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones 10 or 12 in the presence of a catalytic amounts of EtO⁻Na⁺. However, in the presence of a catalytic amounts of potassium carbonate, the carbodiimides 8 were transformed into previously unreported 5H-2,3-dithia-5,7-diaza-cyclopenta[c,d]indenes 13 via direct cyclization in high yields. The reaction of carbodiimides 8 with phenols in the presence of a catalytic amounts of potassium carbonate gave a mixture of 2-aryloxy substituted thieno[3′,2′:4,5]thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones 14 and 13. X-ray structure analysis of 10m supported the structure and the proposed reactivity of amino group.     

Steric and electronic effects in stabilizing allyl-palladium complexes of “P-N-P” ligands, X2PN(Me)PX2 (X = OC6H5 or OC6H3Me2-2,6)

The chemistry of η³-allyl palladium complexes of the diphosphazane ligands, X₂PN(Me)PX₂ [X = OC₆H₅ (1) or OC₆H₃Me₂-2,6 (2)] has been investigated.The reactions of the phenoxy derivative, (PhO)₂PN(Me)P(OPh)₂ with [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(μ-Cl)]₂ (R′ = R″ = H or Me; R′ = H, R″ = Me) give exclusively the palladium dimer, [Pd₂{μ-(PhO)₂PN(Me)P(OPh)₂}₂Cl₂] (3); however, the analogous reaction with [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(μ-Cl)]₂ (R′ = R″ = Ph) gives the palladium dimer and the allyl palladium complex [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(1)](PF₆) (R′ = R″ = Ph) (4). On the other hand, the 2,6-dimethylphenoxy substituted derivative 2 reacts with (allyl) palladium chloro dimers to give stable allyl palladium complexes, [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(2)](PF₆) [R′ = R″ = H (5), Me (7) or Ph (8); R′ = H, R″ = Me (6)].Detailed NMR studies reveal that the complexes 6 and 7 exist as a mixture of isomers in solution; the relatively less favourable isomer, anti-[Pd(η³-1-Me-C₃H₄)(2)](PF₆) (6b) and syn/anti-[Pd(η³-1,3-Me₂-C₃H₃)(2)](PF₆) (7b) are present to the extent of 25% and 40%, respectively. This result can be explained on the basis of the steric congestion around the donor phosphorus atoms in 2. The structures of four complexes (4, 5, 7a and 8) have been determined by X-ray crystallography; only one isomer is observed in the solid state in each case.     

New active ruthenium(II) complexes based N3,N3′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-2,2′-bipyridine-3,3′-diamine and P,P′-diphenylphosphinous acid-P,P′-[2,2′-bipyridine]-3,3′-diyl ester ligands for transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones by propan-2-ol

The dimeric starting material [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ reacts with N3,N3′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-2,2′-bipyridine-3,3′-diamine, 1 and P,P′-diphenylphosphinous acid-P,P′-[2,2′-bipyridine]-3,3′-diyl ester, 2 ligands to afford bridged dinuclear complexes [C₁₀H₆N₂{NHPPh₂-Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)Cl₂}₂], 3 and [C₁₀H₆N₂{OPPh₂-Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)Cl₂}₂], 4 in quantitative yields. These bis(aminophosphine) and bis(phosphinite) based Ru(II) complexes serve as active catalyst precursors for the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone derivatives in 2-propanol and especially 4 acts as a good catalyst, giving the corresponding alcohols in 99% yield in 20 min (TOF ? 280 h⁻¹).