1,10-(phenanthroline)-bis{1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole} ruthenium(II) perchlorate: Synthesis,spectral study,and electrochemistry

The hetero-tris-chelates of the formula [Ru(Phen)(RAaiR′)₂](ClO₄)₂ (Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, RAaiR′ = 1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole, p-R-C₆H₄-N=N-C₃H₂-NN-1-R′, where R = H (a), Me (b), Cl (c) and R′ = Me (II), Et (III), CH₂Ph (IV)) have been isolated from the reaction of ctc-[RuCl₂(RAaiR′)₂] with AgNO₃ + Phen or [Ag(Phen)₂](ClO₄) in acetone at 40°C in dark followed by the addition of NaClO₄ (aq). The stereo-chemistry of the complexes have been supported by ¹H NMR data. Considering the arylazoimidazole and phenanthroline moietie there are twenty different carbon atoms in the molecule which gives a total of twenty different peaks in the ¹³C NMR spectrum of complex Ia. Cyclic voltammograms show Ru(III)/Ru(II) couple at 1.3–1.4 V vs SCE along with three successive ligand reductions. The article is published in the original.     

Synthesis, spectral and electrochemical behaviour of cytosinato bridged complexes of ruthenium(II) and platinum(II) with 1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazoles

Dechlorination of M(RaaiR′) _n Cl₂ by AgNO₃ produced [M(RaaiR′) _n (MeCN)₂]⁺² [M = Ru(II), n = 2; Pt(II), n = 1; RaaiR′ = 1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole)] which upon reaction with the nucleobase cytosine (C) in MeCN solution gave cytosinato bridged dimeric compounds which were isolated as perchlorate salts [M₂(RaaiR′) _n (C)₂](ClO₄)₂ · H₂O. The products were characterized by IR, u.v.–vis., ¹H-n.m.r. spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. In MeCN solution the ruthenium complexes exhibit a strong MLCT band at 550–555 nm and two redox couples positive to SCE due to two metal-center oxidation along with ligand reduction, negative to SCE. The platinum complexes show a weak transition at 500–520 nm in MeCN and exhibit only ligand reduction in cyclic voltammetry. The coordination of the ligand was supported by ¹H-n.m.r. spectral data.     

Azoimidazole Complexes of Manganese(II)-thiocyanate. X-ray Structures of 2-(p-tolylazo)imidazole and Bis-[1-methyl-2-(p-tolylazo)imidazole]- Di-thiocyanato-manganese(II)

The reaction of Mn(OAc)₂ · 4H₂O and 1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole [RaaiR′ where R = H (a), Me (b); R′ = Me (1/3/), Et (2/4/)] and NH₄NCS in MeOH in a 1:2:2 mole ratio afforded [Mn(RaaiR′)₂(NCS)₂] (3) and (4) complexes. They were characterized by different physicochemical methods and the structure has been confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction study for title compound. One of the primary ligands was also characterised by an X-ray diffraction study.     

Ruthenium azo complexes: Synthesis,spectra, and electrochemistry of dithiocyanato-bis{1-(alkyl)-2-(arylazo)imidazole}ruthenium(II)

Silver-assisted aquation of blue cis-trans-cis-RuCl₂(RAaiR’)₂ (I) leads to the synthesis of solvento species, blue-violet cis-trans-cis-[Ru(OH₂)₂(RAaiR’)₂](ClO₄)₂ (II), where RAaiR’ = p-R-C₆H₄-N=N-C₃H₂-NN, abbreviated as N,N′ chelator (N(imidazole) and N(azo) represent N and N′, respectively); R = H (a), p-Me (b), p-Cl(c); R′ = Me (III), Et (IV), Bz (V), that reacted with NCS⁻ in warm EtOH resulting in red-violet dithiocyanato complexes of the type [Ru(NCS)₂(RAaiR)₂] (IIIa–Vn). These complexes were studied by elemental analysis, UV-Vis, IR, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The solution structure and stereoretentive transformation in each step have been established from ¹H NMR results. All the complexes exhibit strong MLCT transitions in the visible region. They are redox active and display one metal-centered oxidation and successive ligand-based reductions. Linkage isomerisation was studied by changing the solvent and then by UV-Vis spectral analysis.     

Synthesis and characterization of the [Cu(Cin2bda)2]ClO4 and [Cu(Ncin2bda)2]ClO4 complexes: Crystal structure of [Cu(Ncin2bda)2]ClO4

Two copper(I) complexes [Cu(Cin₂bda)₂]ClO₄ (I) and [Cu(Ncin₂bda)₂]ClO₄ (II) have been prepared by the reaction of the ligands N²,N²′-bis(3-phenylallylidene)biphenyl-2,2′-diamine (L¹) and N²,N²′-bis[3-(2-nitrophenyl)allylidene]biphenyl-2,2′-diamine (L²) and copper(I) salt. These compounds were characterized by CHN analyses, ¹H NMR, IR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The C=N stretching frequency in the copper(I) complexes shows a shift to a lower frequency relative to the free ligand due to the coordination of the nitrogen atoms. The crystal and molecular structure of II was determined by X-ray single-crystal crystallography. The coordination polyhedron about the copper(I) center in the complex is best described as a distorted tetrahedron. A quasireversible redox behavior was observed for complexes I and II. The article is published in the original.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of copper(II) and silver(I) complexes of a semi-rigid bipyrazolyl ligand

A semi-rigid bipyrazolyl ligand, namely 5-tert-butyl-1,3-bis[(3′,5′-diethyl-1H-pyrazol-4′-yl) methylene]benzene, and its Ag(I) and Cu(II) complexes have been prepared and structurally characterized. X-ray analysis demonstrates that the Ag(I) complex is based on a dinuclear molecular rectangle, while the Cu(II) complex displays a mono-strand helical structure. Two different conformations, namely cis,cis and cis,trans have been observed for this bipyrazolyl ligand.     

Synthesis and characterization of mono- and dinuclear copper(I) complexes with 3-(2-pyrimidinyl)-1,2,4-triazine

The mono- and dinuclear Cu(I) complexes [CuI(PPh₃)(pmtz)] (1) and [{Cu(PPh₃)₂}₂(μ-pmtz)](ClO₄)₂ (2), where pmtz is 3-(2-pyrimidinyl)-1,2,4-triazine, have been synthesized and characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the pmtz acts as a bidentate ligand in complex 1, whereas in complex 2 the pmtz coordinates as a bis-bidentate chelate, assembling two identical {Cu(PPh₃)₂} moieties into a copper(I) dimer with a triple-decker sandwich structure involving phenyl/pmtz/phenyl π–π interactions. The UV–vis spectra of complexes 1 and 2 show low-energy absorptions at 350–550 nm, assigned to the Cu(I) to pmtz MLCT transition, probably mixed with some XLCT character for 1. The absorption of 2 is blue-shifted relative to that of 1 due to the substitution of the iodide of 1 with the π-acceptor ligand PPh₃. Complexes 1 and 2 are non-emissive, both in solution and in the solid state, most likely owing to the electronic effects induced by the additional nitrogen donor of pmtz compared to 2,2′-bipyrimidine.     

Chelating, bridging, and chain structures within Ag(I) and Cu(I) complexes of bis(nicotinyloxy), bis(isonicotinyloxy), and bis(pyrimidine-5-carboxyloxy)-1,8-disubstituted anthraquinone ligands

Reaction of Ag(I) and Cu(I) [M(NCCH₃)₄]X (X = BF₄⁻ and PF₆⁻) salts with 1,8-bis(nicotinyloxy)anthracene-9,10-dione (1), 1,8-bis(isonicotinyloxy)anthracene-9,10-dione (2), and 1,8-bis(pyrimidine-5-carboxyloxy)anthracene-9,10-dione (3), yield new chelating and bridging complexes and two new coordination polymers. The bridging capabilities of ligands 1 and 2 have not been demonstrated before, and ligand 1, by itself, has the flexibility to produce either chelated or bridged structures and an unusual ladder coordination polymer. The tetradentate ligand 3 also produces a one-dimensional coordination polymer in the presence of one equivalent of Ag(I). All complexes have been characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of silver(I) and copper(II) complexes with <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-xylylene-bridged bipyrazolyl ligands

Two semi-rigid bipyrazolyl ligands, namely 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-bis[(3′,5′-dimethyl-1H -pyrazol-4′-yl)methylene]benzene (H₂L) and 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-bis[(3′,5′-diphenyl-1H -pyrazol-4′-yl)methylene]benzene (H₂L′), and their Ag(I) and Cu(II) complexes have been prepared and structurally characterized by means of X-ray analysis. In the structures of the metal complexes, namely [Ag₂(H₂L)₂](BF₄)₂·2H₂O (1), [Ag(H₂L)(NO₃)]_n (2), [Cu₂(H₂L)₄(SO₄)₂]·11H₂O (3), and {[Ag(H₂L′)]BF₄}_n (4), the bipyrazoles act as bridging ligands to connect two metal atoms. Complexes 2 and 4 exhibit 1-D polymeric structures, while 1 and 3 are discrete molecules with a rectangular dimer or tetragonal prismatic shapes, respectively. Two different conformations, namely cis and trans, have been observed for these bipyrazolyl ligands.     

Synthesis,Spectra and Electrochemistry of Dinitro-bis-{1-alkyl-2-(arylazo) imidazole} Ruthenium(II). Nitro-nitroso Derivatives and Reactivity of the Electrophilic {Ru-NO}<Superscript>6</Superscript>System

Ag⁺ assisted aquation of blue cis-trans-cis-RuCl₂(RaaiR′)₂ (4–6) leads to the synthesis of solvento species, blue-violet cis-trans-cis-[Ru(OH₂)₂(RaaiR′)₂](ClO₄)₂ [Raai R′=p-R-C₆H₄ N=N–C₃H₂–NN–1–R′, (1–3), abbreviated as N,N′-chelator, where N(imidazole) and N(azo) represent N and N′, respectively; R = H (a), OMe (b), NO₂ (c) and R′ = Me (1/4/7/10), CH₂CH₃ (2/5/8/11), CH₂Ph (3/6/9/12)] that have been reacted with NO₂⁻in warm EtOH resulting in violet dinitro complexes of the type, Ru(NO₂)₂(RaaiR′)₂ (7–9). The nitrite complexes are useful synthons of electrophilic nitrosyls, and on triturating the compounds, (7b–9b) with conc. HClO₄ nitro-nitrosyl derivatives, [Ru(NO₂)(NO)(OMeaaiR′)₂](ClO₄)₂ (10b–12b) are isolated. The solution structure and stereoretentive transformation in each step have been established from ¹H n.m.r. results. All the complexes exhibit strong MLCT transitions in the visible region. They are redox active and display one metal-centred oxidation and successive ligand-based reductions. The redox potentials of Ru(III)/Ru(II) (E_1/2^M) of (10b–12b) are anodically shifted by ∼ ∼0.2 V as compared to those of dinitro precursors, (7b–9b). The ν(NO) >1900 cm⁻¹ strongly suggests the presence of linear Ru–NO bonding. The electrophilic behaviour of metal bound nitrosyl has been proved in one case (12b) by reacting with a bicyclic ketone, camphor, containing an active methylene group and an arylhydrazone with an active methine group, and the heteroleptic tris chelates thus formed have been characterised.     

Synthesis and characterization of [Cu(Phca2en)(PPh3)X] (X=Cl, Br, I, NCS, N3) complexes: crystal structures of [Cu(Phca2en)(PPh3)Br] and [Cu(Phca2en)(PPh3)I]

New mixed-ligand copper(I) complexes, [Cu(Phca₂en)(PPh₃)X], [Phca₂en = N,N′-bis(β-phenylci-nnamaldehyde)-1,2-diiminoethane and X=Cl (1), Br (2), I (3), NCS (4), N₃ (5)] have been synthesized and characterized by various techniques. ¹H and ¹³C-NMR and IR spectral data of these copper(I) complexes are compared with the free ligand to elucidate some structural features. The structures of [Cu(Phca₂en)(PPh₃)Br] (2) and [Cu(Phca₂en)(PPh₃)I] (3) have been determined from single-crystal data showing that the coordination geometry around copper atom is a distorted tetrahedron. Furthermore, these Cu(I) complexes exhibit supramolecular motifs of the type multiple phenyl embraces resulting from attractive interactions between phenyl rings of PPh₃ moieties. The presence of the C–H…Cu weak intramolecular hydrogen bonds, due to the trapping of C–H bonds in the vicinity of the metal atoms, is also reported.     

Kinetic and mechanistic studies of the interaction of 2-mercapto pyridine with dichloro[1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole]palladium(II) complexes

Nucleophilic substitution of Pd(RaaiR′)Cl₂ [(RaaiR′ = 1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole, p-R-C₆H₄-N=N-C₃H₂NN-1-R′; where R = H(a)/ Me(b)/ Cl(c) and R′ = Et(1)/Bz(2)] with 2-Mercaptopyridine (2-SH-Py) in acetonitrile (MeCN) at 298 K, to form [Pd₂(2-S-Py)₄], has been studied spectrophotometrically under pseudo-first-order conditions and the analyses support the nucleophilic association path. The reaction follows the rate law, Rate = {k ₀ + k [2-SH-Py] ₀ ² }[Pd(RaaiR′)Cl₂]: first order in Pd(RaaiR′)Cl₂ and second order in 2-SH-Py. The rate of the reaction follows the order: Pd(RaaiEt)Cl₂ (1) < Pd(RaaiBz)Cl₂ (2) and Pd(MeaaiR′)Cl₂ (b) < Pd(HaaiR′)Cl₂ (a) < Pd(ClaaiR′)Cl₂ (c). External addition of Cl⁻ (LiCl) and HCl suppresses the rate (Rate ∝ 1/[Cl⁻]₀ & ∝1/[HCl]₀). The reactions have been studied at different temperatures (293–308 K) and activation parameters (Δ^‡ H° and Δ ^‡ S°) of the reactions were calculated from the Eyring plot and support the proposed mechanism.     

Reaction of Adenine and Guanine with [Ru(RaaiR′)2(EtOH)2](ClO4)2 · Spectral and Electrochemical Characterization of the Products [RaaiR′ = 1-Alkyl-2-(arylazo)-Imidazole]

[Ru(RaaiR)₂(EtOH)₂](ClO₄)₂[RaaiR= 1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole, p-R-C₆H₄-N = N-C₃H₂N-N(1)-R, R = H (a), Me (b), Cl (c), R= Me (1, 3), Et (2, 4)] reacts with nucleobases [NB – adenine (A), guanine (G)] in aqueous EtOH to give red–violet mixed ligand complexes of the type [Ru(RaaiR)₂(NB)(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂. The solution electronic spectra exhibit a strong MLCT band at 540–560 nm in MeCN. The cyclic voltammogram shows a Ru^III/Ru^II couple at 1.3–1.4 V versus Ag/AgCl along with three successive ligand reductions.     

Ruthenium(II)-arylazoimidazole-8-hydroxyquinolinate complexes: Synthesis,spectral study (H,C, COSY,HMQC-NMR) and redox properties

The reaction of [Ru(OH₂)₂(RaaiR′)₂]²⁺ (RaaiR′ = 1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole, p-R-C₆H₄-N=N-C₃H₂NN(1)-R′, R = H (1), Me (2), Cl (3); R′ = Me (a), Et (b), CH₂Ph (c)) with 8-quinolinol (HQ) in acetone solution followed by the addition of NH₄PF₆ has afforded violet coloured mixed ligand complexes of the composition [Ru(Q)(RaaiR′)₂](PF₆). The maximum molecular peak of 1b is observed at m’z 790 (50%) in the ESI mass spectrum. Ir spectra of the complexes show -C=N- and -N=N- stretching near at 1590 and 1370 cm⁻¹. The ¹H NMR spectral measurements suggest methylene, -CH₂−, in RaaiEt gives a complex AB type while in RaaiCH₂Ph it shows AB type quartets. Considering the arylazoimidazole and oxine moitie there are twenty different carbon atoms in the molecule which gives a total of twenty different peaks in the C¹³ NMR spectrum of complex 1a. In the ¹H-¹H COSY spectrum of the present complexes, absence of any off-diagonal peaks extending from δ = 14.12 and 9.55 ppm confirm their assignment of no proton on N(1) and N(3) respectively. Contour peaks in the ¹H-¹³C HMQC spectrum in the present complexes, the absence of any contours at δ = 157.12, 160.76, 155.67 ppm and 157.68–160.2 ppm assign them to the C(2), C(6), C(g) and C(h), C(i) carbon atoms respectively. The solution structure and stereoretentive transformation in each step have been established from n.m.r. results. Cyclic voltammograme show a Ru(III)/Ru(II) couple at 1.0–1.1 V versus SCE along with three successive ligand reductions.     

Three Ag(I) and Cu(II) complexes of 4-pyridin-4-yl-(1,3) dithiol-2-one

Single crystals of Ag(I) and Cu(II) complexes with 4-pyridin-4-yl-(1,3) dithiol-2-one (PYDO), [Ag(PYDO)₂]ClO₄, [Ag(PYDO)₂(NO₃)], and [Cu(PYDO)₂(NO₃)₂] have been prepared and characterized. PYDO displays excellent coordination to Cu(II) and Ag(I). The 1,3-dithiol five-member ring is an electron donor that enhances the coordination ability of the py group. HOMO-1 σ coordination and d–π electron back-donating from metal to ligand (LUMO) are suggested based on the calculation. Weak interactions and secondary bonds from the anion to cation play an important role in the molecular assembly.     

Gold(I)-Gold(III)-4,4′-bpy-phosphine complexes: Synthesis and multinuclear NMR study

Silver assisted de-bromination gives [Au₂(dppm/dppe/dppa) (OTf)₂], which on reaction with 4,4′-bpy and gold(I) phosphines in CH₂Cl₂ medium, by the self assembly technique, leads to [(PPh₃)Au(4,4′-bpy)Au(PPh₃)], (1a–1d,2), [{Au₂(dppm/dppe/dppa)}{(4,4-bpy)Au(PPh₃)}₂](NO₃)₄, (3), [{Au₄(dppm/dppe/dppa)₂(4,4-bpy)₂}](OTf)_4, (4), [{(PPh₃)Au^I(4,4′-bpy)}₂Au^III(C₆F₅/Mes)](NO₃)₃, (5) [dppm/dppe/dppa =diphenyl phosphino-methane(a), –ethane(b), ammine(c), C₆F₅/Mes pentafluorophenyl/mesitylene]. The maximum molecular peak of the corresponding molecule is observed in the ESI mass spectrum. Ir spectra of the complexes show –C=C–, –C=N–, as well as phosphine, mesitylene and pentafluorophenyl stretching. The ¹H-NMR spectra as well as ³¹P(¹H)-NMR suggest solution stereochemistry, proton movement and phosphorus proton interaction. Considering all the moities there are a lot of carbon atoms in the molecule reflected by the ¹³C(H)-NMR spectrum. In the ¹H–¹H COSY spectrum of the present complexes and contour peaks in the ¹H–¹³C-HMQC spectrum, assign the solution structure and stereoretentive transformation in each step.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic, biological,and theoretical studies of new complexes from (E)-3-(2-(5, 6- diphenyl-1,2,4- triazin-3- yl)hydrazono)butan-2- one oxime

New mononuclear Fe (III), Cu (II), Ag (I), ZrO ( IV) and UO₂(VI) complexes were synthesized by the reaction of metal ions with (E)-3-(2-(5, 6- diphenyl-1,2,4- triazin-3- yl)hydrazono)butan-2- one oxime. The structures of the metal complexes were characterized using analytical, spectral (infrared, electronic, ¹H NMR, electron spin resonance (ESR), and mass), magnetic moment, molar conductance, thermal gravimetric analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. All complexes have octahedral geometries except the Cu (II) complex, which has square planar geometry, and the UO₂(VI) complex, in which the coordination number is seven. The ligand acts as a (neutral, monoanionic or dianionic) tridentate with N₂O coordinating sites: N-azomethine, N-triazine, and O-oxime. Fluorescence spectral studies were carried out in solid state and in dimethylformamide (DMF). The kinetic parameters of the thermal decomposition stages were calculated using Coats–Redfern equations. The morphological structures of the ligand and some complexes were determined using XRD. The molecular orbital calculations were carried out for the ligand and metal complexes using the Hyperchem 7.52 program on the basis of the PM3 level. The antimicrobial activities of the ligand and its complexes were investigated towards the microorganisms S. aureus and B. subtilis as Gram-positive bacteria, S. typhimurium and E. coli as Gram-negative bacteria, C. albicans, and A. fumigatus. The ligand and its complexes showed antitumor activity against Hep G-2 cell lines, where Cu (II) and Ag (I) complexes seem to be promising as they showed IC₅₀ values that are lower than and comparable to that of the antitumor drug doxorubicin.     

Synthesis, spectral characterization and redox properties of iron (II) complexes of 1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole

Iron (II) complexes of 1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazoles (p-R-C₆H₄-N=N-C₃H₂NN-1-R′, R = H (a), Me (b), Cl (c) and R′ = Me (1/3), Et (2/4) have been synthesized and formulated astris-chelates Fe(RaaiR′) ₃ ²⁺ . They are characterized by microanalytical, conductance, UV-Vis, IR, magnetic (polycrystalline state) data. The complexes are low spin in character,t _2g ⁶ (Fe(II)) configurations.     

Kinetics and Mechanism of the Reactions of Picolinic Acid with Dichloro-{1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole}palladium(II) Complexes

The reaction between Pd(N,N′)Cl₂ [N,N′ ≡ 1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole (N,N′) and picolinic acid (picH) have been studied spectrophotometrically at λ = 463 nm in MeCN at 298 K. The product is [Pd(pic)₂] which has been verified by the synthesis of the pure compound from Na₂[PdCl₄] and picH. The kinetics of the nucleophilic substitution reaction have been studied under pseudo-first-order conditions. The reaction proceeds in a two-step-consecutive manner (A → B → C); each step follows first order kinetics with respect to each complex and picH where the rate equations are: Rate 1 = {k′₀ + k′₂[picH]₀} × [Pd(N,N′)Cl₂] and Rate 2 = {k′′₀ + k′′₂[picH]₀}[Pd(N,O)(monodentate N,N′)Cl₂] such that the first step second order rate constant (k′₂) is greater than the second step second order rate constant (k′′₂). External addition of Cl⁻ (as LiCl) suppresses the rate. Increase in π-acidity of the N,N′ ligand, increases the rate. The reaction has been studied at different temperatures and the activation parameters (Δ^‡H° and Δ^‡S°) were calculated from the Eyring plot.     

Studies on the reactivity of cis-RuCl2 fragment in Ru(PPh3)2(TaiMe)Cl2 with N,N-chelators (TaiMe = 1-methyl-2-(p-tolylazo)imidazole). Spectral and electrochemical characterisation of the products

Dechlorination of Ru(PPh₃)₂(TaiMe)Cl₂ (TaiMe = p-Me-C₆H₄-N=N-C₃H₂NN(1)-Me (1), 1-methyl-2-(p-tolylazo)imidazole) has been carried out in acetone solution by Ag⁺ and reacted with N,N’-chelators to synthesise [Ru(PPh₃)₂ (TaiMe)(N,N’)]²⁺. The complexes have been isolated as their perchlorate salts. The N,N’ chelators are 1-alkyl-2-(phenylazo)imidazoles (PaiX, X = Me, Et, CH₂Ph); 2-(arylazo)pyridines, (Raap,p-R-C₆H₄-N=N-C₅H₄N; R = H, Me, Cl); 2-(arylazo)pyrimidines (Raapm,p-R-C₆H₄-N=N-C₃N₂H₂; R = H, Me, Cl); 2,2’-bipyridine (bpy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (o-phen). Unsymmetrical N,N’ chelators may give two isomers and this is indeed observed. The¹H NMR spectral data refer to the presence of two isomers in the mixture in different proportions. With consideration of coordination pairs in the order of PPh₃, PPh₃; N,N (N refers to N(immidazole)) and N’,N (N’ refers to N(azo)), the complexes have been characterised astrans-cis-cis andtrans-trans-trans configuration; the former predominates in the mixture. Electrochemical studies exhibit high potential Ru(III)/Ru(II) couple and quasireversible N=N reduction. Electronic spectra show high intensity (ε ∼ 10⁴) MLCT transition in the visible region (520 ±10) nm along with a shoulder (ε ∼ 10³) in the longer wavelength region.