Systematic tuning of the reactivity of [RuII(terpy)(N^N)Cl]Cl complexes

Abstract

The substitution behavior of the [Ru^II(terpy)(ampy)Cl]Cl (terpy = 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine, ampy = 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine) complex in water with several bio-relevant ligands such as chloride, thiourea and N,N′-dimethylthiourea, was investigated and compared with the reactivity of the [Ru^II(terpy)(bipy)Cl]Cl and [Ru^II(terpy)(en)Cl]Cl (bipy =2,2′-bipyridine and en?=?ethylenediamine) complexes. Earlier results have shown that the reactivity and pK_a values of Ru(II) complexes can be tuned by a systematic variation of electronic effects provided by bidentate spectator chelates. The reactivity of both the chlorido and aqua derivatives of the studied Ru(II) complexes increases in the order [Ru^II(terpy)(bipy)X]^+/2+?<?[Ru^II(terpy)(ampy)X]^+/2+?<?[Ru^II(terpy)(en)X]^+/2+. This finding can be accounted for in terms of π back-bonding effects provided by the pyridine ligands. The activation parameters for all the studied reactions support an associative interchange substitution mechanism.     

Synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of three new terpyridine-based Pb(II) complexes,cytotoxicity studies of {[Pb(ttpy)(μ-AcO)]2}(SCN)2

Synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of three new terpyridine-based Pb(II) complexes, {[Pb(ttpy)(μ-AcO)]₂}(SCN)₂ (1) (ttpy?=?4′-tolyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine), [Pb(Clphtpy)(AcO)(ClO₄)] (2), and [Pb(Clphtpy)(SCN)₂] (3) (Clphtpy?=?4′-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine), are described. The synthesized materials have been characterized, also, by CHN elemental analysis, ¹H NMR, and IR spectroscopy. The structural analyses showed that, in the solid state, the coordination number of Pb(II) in 1, 2, and 3 are six, seven, and five, respectively. In the complexes, the lone-pair electrons of Pb(II) are stereochemically active and the coordination geometry of Pb(II) is hemidirected. The structures of the three complexes were compared and the effect of counter ion is described. The antibacterial activity of 1 and previously reported {[Pb(ttpy)(μ-AcO)]₂}(PF₆)₂ (1A) and {[Pb(ttpy)(μ-AcO)I]₂} (1B) were tested by minimum inhibitory concentration method to investigate the effect of counter ions on biological activity of the compounds. Also, cytotoxicity test was assessed using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay to determine the maximum non-toxic concentration of ttpy, Pb(II), and their complexes to HepG2 cells. Effective lead detoxification was observed for 1, 1A, and 1B.     

Syntheses and characterization of new MnII and FeII complexes with 4′-(4-pyridyl)-2,2′ : 6′,2″-terpyridine (pyterpy), [Mn(pyterpy)(MeOH)2(OAc)](ClO4) and [Fe(pyterpy)2](SCN)2 · MeOH

Two new Mn^II and Fe^II complexes with 4′-(4-pyridyl)-2,2′ : 6′,2″-terpyridine (pyterpy), [Mn(pyterpy)(MeOH)₂(OAc)](ClO₄) (1) and [Fe(pyterpy)₂](SCN)₂ · MeOH (2) have been synthesized and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and structurally analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The thermal stabilities of these compounds were studied by thermal gravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analyses (DTA). The potentially tetradentate pyterpy ligand is a tridentate donor to both Mn(II) and Fe(II). The non-coordinated pyridyl interacts via O–H ··· N and C–H ··· N hydrogen bonds with adjacent molecules in 1 and 2, respectively, to form inversion symmetric dimers. Compound 1 is further extended into infinite hydrogen bonded chains via pairs of O–H ··· O_acetate hydrogen bonds.     

Synthesis,characterization, electrochemical and theoretical study of substituted phenyl-terpyridine and pyridine-quinoline based mixed chelate ruthenium complexes

In the present work, we report two methoxy-substituted phenyl-terpyridine ruthenium complexes with pyridine carboxyquinoline and NCS as ancillary ligands, [Ru(OMePhtpy)(pcqH)(NCS)](PF₆) (1) and [Ru(triOMePhtpy)(pcqH)(NCS)](PF₆) (2) (where OMePhtpy = (4′-(4-methoxy)phenyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine, triOMePhtpy = (4′-(3,4,5-trimethoxy)phenyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine and pcqH = pyridine-carboxyquinoline). Both complexes have been characterized by spectroscopic techniques e.g., mass, ¹H-NMR and FTIR. UV–vis spectrophotometric and electrochemical studies for both complexes have been performed. The substitution pattern of the –OMe groups have been successfully utilized to tune the redox potential of the metal complexes. On the anodic side of cyclic voltammogram, 1 and 2 show an irreversible wave corresponding to Ru^II/III couple at 0.95 and 0.85 V, respectively. The lower Ru^II/III oxidation potential for 2 may be attributed to increased electron density on ruthenium due to three (+R) methoxy–groups appended to the phenyl moiety of triOMePhtpy. DFT optimization of structure and energy calculation reveals that in both complexes, HOMO is metal- and thiocyanate-based, whereas the LUMO is based on pcqH. Correlation of TDDFT results with experimental electronic spectrum indicates that bands at 502 nm (1) and 528 nm (2) are of MLLCT character from ruthenium-thiocyanate to pcqH.     

The preparation and coordination chemistry of 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine macrocycles—1

A range of 6,6″-disubstituted derivatives of 2,2′: 6,2″-terpyridine have been prepared with the intention of forming macrocycles incorporating the 2,2′: 6′,2$\text{-}\text{?}$terpyridyl moiety. A high yield route to 6,6″-bis(methylhydrazino-4′-phenyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine is described, and a number of complexes of this novel pentadentate ligand have been prepared.     

Effect of solvent on the crystal structures of copper(II) complexes based on 4′-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine and 4′-(3-chlorophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine

Four homoleptic copper(II) complexes, [Cu(Meophtpy)₂](ClO₄)₂ (Meophtpy = 4′-(4-methoxylphenyl)- 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) (I), [Cu(Meophtpy)₂](ClO₄)₂ · 2H₂O (II), [Cu₂(m-Clphtpy)₄](ClO₄)₄ (m-ClPhtpy = 4′-(3-chlorophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) (III), and [Cu₂(m-ClPhtpy)₄](ClO₄)₄ (IV) have been synthesized by hydrothermal methods and characterized by IR, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction (CIF files CCDC nos. 963375 (I), 885457 (II), 963377 (III), and 963376 (IV)). Complex II is a polymorph of I and complex IV is a polymorph of III. All these complexes are obtained with 95% ethanol solution or 50% ethanol solution and the solvent control on the crystallization are obviously found. In all complexes, the face-to-face interactions between pyridyl rings or phenyl rings facilitate the construction of 3D network in the crystal in addition to hydrogen bonds. The fluorescence properties of these complexes have been investigated.     

Expanded bite angles in tridentate ligands. Improving the photophysical properties in bistridentate RuII polypyridine complexes

Bistridentate metal complexes as photosensitizers are ideal building blocks in the construction of rod-like isomer-free assemblies for intramolecular photoinduced charge separation. Approaches to obtain long-lived luminescent metal-to-ligand charge transfer excited states in bistridentate Ru^II polypyridine complexes via the manipulation of metal-centered state energies are discussed. Following an introduction to general strategies to prolong the excited state lifetimes, more recent work is explored in detail where tridentate ligands with expanded 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine cores are utilized. The synthesis of these tridentate ligands and their corresponding Ru^II complexes is covered. Bistridentate Ru^II complexes with microsecond metal-to-ligand charge transfer excited state lifetimes are described, and are used in electron donor–photosensitizer–electron acceptor assemblies for efficient vectorial photoinduced charge separation.     

Terpyridines as supramolecular initiators for living polymerization methods

Bis(5,5″-bis(bromomethyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine), bis-4′-(4-bromomethylphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine and 4-hydroxymethyl-5′,5″-dimethyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine metal complexes have been used as initiators for the living polymerization of 2-oxazolines and L-lactides. In both cases polymers with controlled molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions have been obtained. In-line diode array GPC measurements of iron(II) complexed poly(ethyloxazoline)s showed an unexpected absence of fragmentation. Viscosity experiments demonstrated the differences of the complexed and uncomplexed systems.     

Bistable Molecular Switches Based on Linkage Isomerization in Ruthenium Polypyridyl Complexes with a Ligand-Bound Ambidentate Motif

Electron-transfer-induced linkage isomerization was investigated in a series of bis-tridentate Ru polypyridyl complexes [Ru(L-X-OH)(Y-tpy)]²⁺ with ambidentate ligand L-X-OH=bpy-C(R)(OH)-py (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine; py=pyridine; R=H, Me, Ph, or tBu) and spectator ligand Y-tpy (tpy=2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine; Y=p-tolyl, p-PhCO₂Me, Cl, OEt, N-pyrrolidine). The ligand-bound ambidentate motif switches reversibly between N and O coordination in the Ru^II and Ru^III state, respectively. The potentials of the Ru^III/II couple differ by about 0.5 V between the isomers, and this results in a bistable electrochemical response of the molecular switches. The effects of structural modifications in form of substituents on the linking carbon atom of the ambidentate ligand and on the central pyridine moiety of the spectator ligand were investigated by electrochemical and computational methods. Differences in isomerization behavior span six orders of magnitude in rate constants and two orders of magnitude in equilibrium constants. The results can be interpreted in terms of steric and electronic substituent effects and their influence on rotational barriers, ligation geometry, and electron deficiency of the metal center.     

STRUCTURAL STUDIES ON PYRAZOLYLPYRIDINE LIGANDS AND COMPLEXES. 2. COMPARISONS BETWEEN BISPYRAZOLYLPYRIDINE LINKAGE ISOMERS AND WITH 2,2′,6′,2″-TERPYRIDINE JERZY ZADYKOWICZ

Abstract

Crystal structures were obtained for the 3(C),2′;6′,3″(C)-linked bispyrazolylpyridines 2,6-di(2H-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazol-3-yl)pyridine (1), 2,6-di(l-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazol-3-yl)pyridine (2), 2,6-di(1 -(4-ethoxycarbonylphenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazol-3-yl)pyridine (3) and for the homoleptic Ru^II complex of 2, [Ru(2)₂]Cl₂, which crystallized with 7 molecules of CHCl₃. Ligand 1 adopts the inter-and intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded syn,syn rotameric conformation, while 2 and 3 were in the anti,anti forms. Relative to the latter, iigand distortions were assessed in 1 (considered as a H⁺ complex) and [Ru(2)₂]Cl₂. Comparisons were drawn with other tridentate ligands containing a pyridine nucleus, specifically the 1(N),2′;6′,1″(N″) linkage isomers and 2,2′;6′,2″-terpyridine, in both free and Ru^II complexed forms, as well as with their bidentate analogues. Unlike with bidentate ligands, the bonds to the pyridine moiety are shortest, the outer heterocyclic rings are drawn inward and, overall, the ligands remain fairly planar. Flanking substituents remain well splayed out in the 1,2′;6′,1″-linked bispyrazolylpyridines, are more parallel in the 3,2′;6′,3″ linkage isomers and are unfavorably compressed in terpyridines.     

Judicious Ligand Design in Ruthenium Polypyridyl CO2 Reduction Catalysts to Enhance Reactivity by Steric and Electronic Effects

A series of Ru^II polypyridyl complexes of the structural design [Ru^II(R?tpy)(NN)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ (R?tpy=2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (R=H) or 4,4′,4′′‐tri‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (R=tBu); NN=2,2′‐bipyridine with methyl substituents in various positions) have been synthesized and analyzed for their ability to function as electrocatalysts for the reduction of CO₂ to CO. Detailed electrochemical analyses establish how substitutions at different ring positions of the bipyridine and terpyridine ligands can have profound electronic and, even more importantly, steric effects that determine the complexes’ reactivities. Whereas electron‐donating groups para to the heteroatoms exhibit the expected electronic effect, with an increase in turnover frequencies at increased overpotential, the introduction of a methyl group at the ortho position of NN imposes drastic steric effects. Two complexes, [Ru^II(tpy)(6‐mbpy)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ (trans‐[ 3 ]²⁺; 6‐mbpy=6‐methyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) and [Ru^II(tBu?tpy)(6‐mbpy)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ (trans‐[ 4 ]²⁺), in which the methyl group of the 6‐mbpy ligand is trans to the CH₃CN ligand, show electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction at a previously unreactive oxidation state of the complex. This low overpotential pathway follows an ECE mechanism (electron transfer–chemical reaction–electron transfer), and is a direct result of steric interactions that facilitate CH₃CN ligand dissociation, CO₂ coordination, and ultimately catalytic turnover at the first reduction potential of the complexes. All experimental observations are rigorously corroborated by DFT calculations.     

2Rotaxane based on terpyridyl bimetal ruthenium complexes and β-cyclodextrin as organic sensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cells

The conjugated carboxy-functionalized terpyridyl bimetal ruthenium complex [(tdctpy)Ru(dctpy-(ph)₄-dctpy)Ru(tdctpy)][PF₆]₄ and [2]rotaxane by self-assembly of [(tdctpy)Ru(dctpy-(ph)₄-dctpy)Ru(tdctpy)][PF₆]₄ with β-cyclodextrin are reported as sensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), where tdctpy?=?4′-p-tolyl-4,4″-dicarboxy-2,2′?:?6,2″-terpyridine, dctpy?=?4,4″-dicarboxy-2,2′?:?6,2″-terpyridine and dctpy-(ph)₄-dctpy represents a bridging ligand where two 4,4″-dicarboxy-2,2′?:?6′,2″-terpyridine units are connected through four phenyl spacers in the 4′-position. The DSSCs fabricated utilizing these materials give typical electric power conversion efficiency of 0.013–0.523% under air mass (AM) 1.5, 100?mW?cm^?2 irradiation at room temperature. The terpyridyl bimetal ruthenium complex [(tdctpy)Ru(dctpy-(ph)₄-dctpy)Ru(tdctpy)][PF₆]₄ with conjugated-bridge chains displayed much higher conversion efficiency compared with the carboxy-functionalized terpyridyl monometal ruthenium complex [tdctpy-Ru-(idctpy)][PF₆]₂, where idctpy?=?4′-p-iodophenyl-4,4″-dicarboxy-2,2′?:?6,2″-terpyridine. [2]Rotaxane displayed the highest electric power conversion efficiency of 0.523% when β-cyclodextrin was introduced into the conjugated terpyridyl bimetal ruthenium complex and formed [2]rotaxane.     

Engineering with metallo-supramolecular polymers: linear coordination polymers and networks

Here we demonstrate the synthesis of telechelics with different spacer units and different numbers of metal-complexing units, like α-methoxy-ω-(2,2′:6′,2″-terpyrid-4′-yl)-poly(ethylenoxide)₇₈ ( 1 ), bis(2,2′:6′,2″-terpyrid-4′-yl) di(ethylene glycol) ( 2 ), bis(2,2′:6′,2″-terpyrid-4′-yl)-poly(ethylene oxide)₁₈₀ ( 3 ) and tris[(2,2′:6′,2″-terpyrid-4′-yl)-oligo (ethylenoxy-)_3.33]glycerin ( 4 ) utilizing 4-chloro-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine. The complexation behaviour of a variety of metal-salts towards the telechelics was studied and different supramolecular architectures were investigated, such as symmetric polymeric complexes and linear coordination polymers. Furthermore, attempts have been undertaken to prepare metallo-supramolecular cross-linked systems.     

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.     

Octahedral iron(II) complexes with pyridyl triazine and bipyridine ligands – synthesis,computational studies,mechanisms and kinetics with 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2′,6,2″-terpyridine

[Bis(3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine)(2,2′-bipyridine)iron(II)], [Fe(PDT)₂(bpy)]²⁺ (1), [bis(3-(4-phenyl-2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine)(2,2′-bipyridine)iron(II)], [Fe(PPDT)₂(bpy)]²⁺ (2), [bis(2,2′-bipyridine)(3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine)iron(II)], [Fe(PDT)(bpy)₂]²⁺ (3), and [bis(2,2′-bipyridine)(3-(4-phenyl-2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine)iron(II)], [Fe(PPDT)(bpy)₂]²⁺ (4) have been synthesized and characterized. Substitution of the triazine and bipyridine ligands from the complexes by nucleophiles (nu), namely 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and 2,2′,6,2″-terpyridine (terpy) was studied in a sodium acetate-acetic acid buffer over the pH range 3–6 at 25, 35, and 45°C under pseudo-first order conditions. Reactions are first order in the concentration of complexes 1–4. The reaction rates increase with increasing [nu] and pH whereas ionic strength has no effect on the rate. Straight-line plots with positive slopes are observed when the k_obs values are plotted against [nu] or 1/[H⁺]. The substitution reactions proceed by dissociative as well as associative paths and the latter path is predominant. Observed low E_a values and negative ΔS^# values support the dominance of the associative path. Phenyl groups on the triazine ring modulate the reactivity of the complexes. The π-electron cloud on the phenyl rings stabilizes the charge on metal center by inductive donation of electrons toward the metal center, resulting in a decrease in reactivity of the complex and the order is 1 < 2 < 3 < 4. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations also support the interpretations drawn from the kinetic data.     

Photomagnetic Response in Highly Conductive Iron(II) Spin‐Crossover Complexes with TCNQ Radicals

Co‐crystallization of a cationic Fe^II complex with a partially charged TCNQ^.δ? (7,7′,8,8′‐tetracyanoquinodimethane) radical anion has afforded molecular materials that behave as narrow band‐gap semiconductors, [Fe(tpma)(xbim)](X)(TCNQ)_1.5?DMF (X=ClO₄^? or BF₄^?; tpma=tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine, xbim=1,1′‐(α,α′‐o‐xylyl)‐2,2′‐bisimidazole). Remarkably, these complexes also exhibit temperature‐and light‐driven spin crossover at the Fe^II center, and are thus the first structurally defined magnetically bistable semiconductors assembled with the TCNQ^.δ? radical anion. Transport measurements reveal the conductivity of 0.2 S cm^?1 at 300 K, with the low activation energy of 0.11 eV.     

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]⁺.     

Cadmium(II) complexes of 4′-tolyl-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine: synthesis,structures, and antibacterial activities

A straightforward synthetic method has been developed to prepare cadmium(II) complexes of 4′-tolyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (ttpy) in good yields. These complexes are formulated as {[Cd(ttpy)(NO₃)₂][Cd₂(ttpy)₂(NO₃)₄]} (1), [Cd₂(ttpy)₂(N₃)₄]0.5CH₃OH?·?0.125H₂O (2), and {[Cd(ttpy)(SCN)(CH₃COO)][Cd(ttpy)(SCN)₂]₂} (3). Intermolecular, intramolecular, hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions were observed in the complexes, and are responsible for the arrangement of complexes in the crystal packing and play essential roles in forming different frameworks of 1–3. The antibacterial activities of the synthesized complexes were tested against three gram positive bacteria and three gram negative bacteria.     

Synthesis,characterization, and evaluation of biological activities of new 4′‐substituted ruthenium (II) terpyridine complexes: Prospective anti‐inflammatory properties

The synthesis and characterization of Ru (II) terpyridine complexes derived from 4′ functionalized 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine (tpy) ligands are reported. The heteroleptic complexes comprise the synthesized ligands 4′‐(2‐thienyl)‐ 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine) or (4′‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine and (dimethyl 5‐(pyrimidin‐5‐yl)isophthalate). The new complexes [Ru(4′‐(2‐thienyl)‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine)(5‐(pyrimidin‐5‐yl)‐isophthalic acid)Cl₂] ( 9 ), [Ru(4′‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine)(5‐(pyrimidin‐5‐yl)‐isophthalic acid)Cl₂] ( 10 ), and [Ru(4′‐(2‐thienyl)‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine)(5‐(pyrimidin‐5‐yl)‐isophthalic acid)(NCS)₂] ( 11 ) were characterized by ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy, C, H, N, and S elemental analysis, UPLC‐ESI‐MS, TGA, FT‐IR, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The biological activities of the synthesized ligands and their Ru (II) complexes as anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents were evaluated. Furthermore, the toxicity of the synthesized compounds was studied and compared with the standard drugs, namely, diclofenac potassium and ibuprofen, using hemolysis assay. The results indicated that the ligands and the complex 9 possess superior anti‐inflammatory activities inhibiting albumin denaturation (89.88–100%) compared with the standard drugs (51.5–88.37%) at a concentration of 500 μg g^?1. These activities were related to the presence of the chelating N‐atoms in the ligands and the exchangeable chloro‐ groups in the complex. Moreover, the chloro‐ and thiophene groups in complex 9 produce a higher anticancer activity compared with its isothiocyanate derivative in the complex 11 and the 3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl moiety in complex 10 . Considering the toxicity results, the synthesized ligands are nontoxic or far less toxic compared with the standard drugs and the metal complexes. Therefore, these newly synthesized compounds are promising anti‐inflammatory agents in addition to their moderate unique broad antimicrobial activity.