Interactions of the “piano‐stool” [ruthenium(II) (η6‐arene)(en)CL]+ complexes with water and nucleobases; ab initio and DFT study

Piano stool ruthenium complexes of the composition [Ru(II)(η⁶‐arene)(en)Cl]^+/2+ (en = ethylenediamine) represent an emerging class of cisplatin‐analogue anticancer drug candidates. In this study, we use computational quantum chemistry to characterize the structure, stability and reactivity of these compounds. All these structures were optimized at DFT(B3LYP)/6‐31G(d) level and their single point properties were determined by the MP2/6‐31++G(2df,2pd) method. Thermodynamic parameters and rate constants were determined for the aquation process, as a replacement of the initial chloro ligand by water and subsequent exchange reaction of aqua ligand by nucleobases. The computations were carried out at several levels of DFT and ab initio theories (B3LYP, MP2 and CCSD) utilizing a range of bases sets (from 6‐31G(d) to aug‐cc‐pVQZ). Excellent agreement with experimental results for aquation process was obtained at the CCSD level and reasonable match was achieved also with the B3LYP/6‐31++G(2df,2pd) method. This level was used also for nucleobase‐water exchange reaction where a smaller rate constant for guanine exchange was found in comparison with adenine. Although adenine follows a simple replacement mechanism, guanine complex passes by a two‐step mechanism. At first, Ru‐O6(G) adduct is formed, which is transformed through a chelate TS2 to the Ru‐N7(G) final complex. In case of guanine, the exchange reaction is more favorable thermodynamically (releasing in total by about 8 kcal/mol) but according to our results, the rate constant for guanine substitution is slightly smaller than the analogous constant in adenine case when reaction course from local minimum is considered. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009     

Binding of piano‐stool Ru(II) complexes to DNA; QM/MM study

Ru(II) “piano‐stool” complexes belong to group of biologically active metallocomplexes with promising anticancer activity. In this study, we investigate the reaction mechanism of [(η⁶‐benzene)Ru(II)(en)(H₂O)]²⁺ (en = ethylenediamine) complex binding to DNA by hybrid QM/MM computational techniques. The reaction when the Ru(II) complex is coordinated on N7‐guanine from major groove is explored. Two reaction pathways, direct binding to N7 position and two‐step mechanism passing through O6 position, are considered. It was found that the reaction is exothermic and the direct binding process is preferred kinetically. In analogy to cisplatin, we also explored the possibility of intrastrand cross‐link formation where the Ru(II) complex makes a bridge between two adjacent guanines. Two different pathways were found, leading to a final structure with released benzene ligand. This process is exothermic; however, one pathway is blocked by relatively high initial activation barrier. Geometries, energies, and electronic properties analyzed by atoms in molecules and natural population analysis methods are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Photochemistry of RuII 4,4′‐Bi‐1,2,3‐triazolyl (btz) Complexes: Crystallographic Characterization of the Photoreactive Ligand‐Loss Intermediate trans‐[Ru(bpy)(κ2‐btz)(κ1‐btz)(NCMe)]2+

We report the unprecedented observation and unequivocal crystallographic characterization of the meta‐stable ligand loss intermediate solvento complex trans‐[Ru(bpy)(κ²‐btz)(κ¹‐btz)(NCMe)]²⁺ ( 1 a ) that contains a monodentate chelate ligand. This and analogous complexes can be observed during the photolysis reactions of a family of complexes of the form [Ru($\widehat{NN}$ )(btz)₂]²⁺ ( 1 a – d : btz=1,1′‐dibenzyl‐4,4′‐bi‐1,2,3‐triazolyl; $\widehat{NN}$ =a) 2,2′‐bipyridyl (bpy), b) 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl (dmbpy), c) 4,4′‐dimethoxy‐2,2′‐bipyridyl (dmeobpy), d) 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen)). In acetonitrile solutions, 1 a – d eventually convert to the bis‐solvento complexes trans‐[Ru($\widehat{NN}$ )(btz)(NCMe)₂]²⁺ ( 3 a – d ) along with one equivalent of free btz, in a process in which the remaining coordinated bidentate ligands undergo a new rearrangement such that they become coplanar. X‐ray crystal structure of 3 a and 3 d confirmed the co‐planar arrangement of the $\widehat{NN}$ and btz ligands and the trans coordination of two solvent molecules. These conversions proceed via the observed intermediate complexes 2 a – d , which are formed quantitatively from 1 a – d in a matter of minutes and to which they slowly revert back on being left to stand in the dark over several days. The remarkably long lifetime of the intermediate complexes (>12 h at 40 °C) allowed the isolation of 2 a in the solid state, and the complex to be crystallographically characterized. Similarly to the structures adopted by complexes 3 a and d , the bpy and κ²‐btz ligands in 2 a coordinate in a square‐planar fashion with the second monodentate btz ligand coordinated trans to an acetonitrile ligand.     

Synthesen und Strukturen von Bis(4,4′‐t‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridin)‐Ruthenium(II)‐Komplexen mit funktionellen Derivaten des Tetramethyl‐bibenzimidazols

Syntheses and Structures of Bis(4,4′‐t‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) Ruthenium(II) Complexes with functional Derivatives of Tetramethyl‐bibenzimidazole [(tbbpy)₂RuCl₂] reacts with dinitro‐tetramethylbibenzimidazole ( A ) in DMF to form the complex [(tbbpy)₂Ru( A )](PF₆)₂ ( 1a ) (tbbpy: bis(4,4′‐t‐butyl)‐2,2′bipyridine). Exchange of the two PF₆^? anions by a mixture of tetrafluor‐terephthalat/tetrafluor‐terephthalic acid results in the formation of 1b in which an extended hydrogen‐bonded network is formed. According to the ¹H NMR spectra and X‐ray analyses of both 1a and 1b , the two nitro groups of the bibenzimidazole ligand are situated at the periphery of the complex in cis position to each other. Reduction of the nitro groups in 1a with SnCl₂/HCl results in the corresponding diamino complex 2 which is a useful starting product for further functionalization reactions. Substitution of the two amino groups in 2 by bromide or iodide via Sandmeyer reaction results in the crystalline complexes [(tbbpy)₂Ru( C )](PF₆)₂ and [(tbbpy)₂Ru( D )](PF₆)₂ ( C : dibromo‐tetrabibenzimidazole, D : diiodo‐tetrabibenzimidazole). Furthermore, 2 readily reacts with 4‐t‐butyl‐salicylaldehyde or pyridine‐2‐carbaldehyde under formation of the corresponding Schiff base Ru^II complexes 5 and 6 . ¹H NMR spectra show that the substituents (NH₂, Br, I, azomethines) in 2 ‐ 6 are also situated in peripheral positions, cis to each other. The solid state structure of both 2 , and 3 , determined by X‐ray analyses confirm this structure. In addition, the X‐ray diffraction analyses of single crystals of the complexes [(tri‐t‐butyl‐terpy)(Cl)Ru( A )] ( 7 ) and [( A )PtCl₂] ( 8 ) display also that the nitro groups in these complexes are in a cis‐arrangement.     

Reaction mechanism of Ru(II) piano‐stool complexes: Umbrella sampling QM/MM MD study

Biologically relevant interactions of piano‐stool ruthenium(II) complexes with ds‐DNA are studied in this article by hybrid quantum mechanics—molecular mechanics (QM/MM) computational technique. The whole reaction mechanism is divided into three phases: (i) hydration of the [Ru^II(η⁶‐benzene)(en)Cl]⁺ complex, (ii) monoadduct formation between the resulting aqua‐Ru(II) complex and N7 position of one of the guanines in the ds‐DNA oligomer, and (iii) formation of the intrastrand Ru(II) bridge (cross‐link) between two adjacent guanines. Free energy profiles of all the reactions are explored by QM/MM MD umbrella sampling approach where the Ru(II) complex and two guanines represent a quantum core, which is described by density functional theory methods. The combined QM/MM scheme is realized by our own software, which was developed to couple several quantum chemical programs (in this study Gaussian 09) and Amber 11 package. Calculated free energy barriers of the both ruthenium hydration and Ru(II)‐N7(G) DNA binding process are in good agreement with experimentally measured rate constants. Then, this method was used to study the possibility of cross‐link formation. One feasible pathway leading to Ru(II) guanine‐guanine cross‐link with synchronous releasing of the benzene ligand is predicted. The cross‐linking is an exergonic process with the energy barrier lower than for the monoadduct reaction of Ru(II) complex with ds‐DNA. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Transfer hydrogenation of ketones catalysed by half‐sandwich (η6‐p‐cymene) ruthenium(II) complexes incorporating benzoylhydrazone ligands

Neutral half‐sandwich η⁶‐p ‐cymene ruthenium(II) complexes of general formula [Ru(η⁶‐p ‐cymene)Cl(L)] (HL = monobasic O, N bidendate benzoylhydrazone ligand) have been synthesized from the reaction of [Ru(η⁶‐p ‐cymene)(μ‐Cl)Cl]₂ with acetophenone benzoylhydrazone ligands. All the complexes have been characterized using analytical and spectroscopic (Fourier transform infrared, UV–visible, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR) techniques. The molecular structures of three of the complexes have been determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, indicating a pseudo‐octahedral geometry around the ruthenium(II) ion. All the ruthenium(II) arene complexes were explored as catalysts for transfer hydrogenation of a wide range of aromatic, cyclic and aliphatic ketones with 2‐propanol using 0.1 mol% catalyst loading, and conversions of up to 100% were obtained. Further, the influence of other variables on the transfer hydrogenation reaction, such as base, temperature, catalyst loading and substrate scope, was also investigated.     

“Off‐on‐off” Fluorescence pH Switch of Three Trinuclear RuII Complexes Containing Imidazole Rings

Three tripodal ligands H₃L^1–3 containing imidazole rings were synthesized by the reaction of 1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐dione with 1,3,5‐tris[(3‐formylphenoxy)methyl]benzene, 1,3,5‐tris[(3‐formylphenoxy)methyl]‐2,4,6‐trimethylbenzene, and 2,2′,2"‐tris[(3‐formylphenoxy)ethyl]amine, respectively. Trinuclear Ru^II polypyridyl complexes [(bpy)₆Ru₃H₃L^1–3](PF₆)₆ were prepared by the condensation of Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂ · 2H₂O with ligands H₃L^1–3. The pH effects on the UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence spectra of the three complexes were studied, and ground‐ and excited‐state ionization constants of the three complexes were derived. The three complexes act as “off‐on‐off” fluorescence pH switch through protonation and deprotonation of imidazole ring with a maximum on‐off ratio of 5 in buffer solution at room temperature.     

Ru(II)‐based antineoplastic: A “wingtip” N‐heterocyclic carbene facilitates access to a new class of organometallics that are cytotoxic to common cancer cell lines

The syntheses, structures, and chemotherapeutic activities of Ag(I)‐, Au(I)‐, and Ru(II)‐complexes ligated to a novel N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand, 2‐(4‐nitrophenyl)imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridin‐2‐ylidene ( 1 ), are described. The corresponding complexes, [Ag( 1 )₂][PF₆], [Au( 1 )₂][PF₆] ( 3 ), and [Ru( 1 )(p‐cymene)Cl][PF₆] ( 4 ), were prepared using convenient transmetallation chemistry and characterized using a range of spectroscopic and analytical techniques. X‐ray crystallography revealed that complexes 2 and 3 adopted linear structures whereas 4 exhibited a prototypical “piano‐stool”‐like geometry; the structural assignments were further supported by DFT calculations. A series of in vitro studies revealed that while the aforementioned Ag(I), Au(I) and Ru(II) complexes exhibited significant cytotoxicities against the human colon adenocarcinoma (HCT 116), lung cancer (A549), and breast cancer (MCF7) cell lines, the Ru derivative was most prominent.     

Halbsandwich‐Komplexe von Ruthenium(II), Rhodium(III) und Iridium(III) mit Tripeptidestern aus α‐, β‐ und γ‐Aminosäuren als Liganden. — Peptidsynthese und Cyclisierung zu Cyclotripeptiden am Metallzentrum

Metal Complexes with Biological Important Ligands. CXLII. Half Sandwich Complexes of Ruthenium(II), Rhodium(III), and Iridium(III) with Tripeptide Esters from α‐, β‐, and γ‐Amino Acids as Ligands. — Peptide Synthesis and Cyclization to Cyclotripeptides at Metal Centers Halfsandwich complexes of ruthenium, rhodium and iridium with deprotonated N, N', N"‐tripeptide ester ligands were obtained from chloro bridged compounds and tripeptide methyl esters ( 1—6 ) or by peptide synthesis at a metal centre ( 9—15 ). For the peptide synthesis at the complex (C₆Me₆)Ru coordinated dipeptide methyl esters from glycine and β‐alanine or γ‐amino butyric acid were elongated by an a‐amino acid methylester. The tripeptide ester Ru(η⁶‐C₆Me₆) complexes with chiral amino acid components and an “asymmetric” metal atom are formed with high diastereoselectivity. The tripeptide esters Gly‐Gly‐β‐AlaOMe, Val‐Gly‐β‐AlaOMe and Phe‐Gly‐β‐AlaOMe can be condensated at the (C₆Me₆)Ru complex with sodium methanolate to give triple deprotonated cyclic tripeptides.     

Ruthenium Complex “Light Switches” that are Selective for Different G‐Quadruplex Structures

Recognition and regulation of G‐quadruplex nucleic acid structures is an important goal for the development of chemical tools and medicinal agents. The addition of a bromo‐substituent to the dipyridylphenazine (dppz) ligands in the photophysical “light switch”, [Ru(bpy)₂dppz]²⁺, and the photochemical “light switch”, [Ru(bpy)₂dmdppz]²⁺, creates compounds with increased selectivity for an intermolecular parallel G‐quadruplex and the mixed‐hybrid G‐quadruplex, respectively. When [Ru(bpy)₂dppz‐Br]²⁺ and [Ru(bpy)₂dmdppz‐Br]²⁺ are incubated with the G‐quadruplexes, they have a stabilizing effect on the DNA structures. Activation of [Ru(bpy)₂dmdppz‐Br]²⁺ with light results in covalent adduct formation with the DNA. These complexes demonstrate that subtle chemical modifications of Ru^II complexes can alter G‐quadruplex selectivity, and could be useful for the rational design of in vivo G‐quadruplex probes.     

Density functional theory study of the regio‐ and stereoselectivity of diels–alder reactions of 5‐Aryl‐2‐pyrones

A theoretical study of the mechanism and regio‐ and stereoselectivity of Diels–Alder reactions of 5‐aryl‐2‐pyrones (Ar = Ph, 4‐(MeS)‐Ph) with substituted alkenes (CHZ = CH₂, Z = COMe, OAc) is performed at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level. The analysis of the relevant stationary points of the potential energy surface and intrinsic reaction coordinate calculations show that these cycloadditions are undergoing through asynchronous concerted mechanisms yielding to the formation of the 5‐endo isomers as the major cycloadducts. The calculation of activation and reaction energies indicates that the 5‐endo cycloadducts are favored both kinetically and thermodynamically. The obtained results are in good agreement with experimental outcomes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011     

Synthesis,Characterization, and DNA‐Binding Properties of the Chiral Ruthenium(II) Complexes Δ‐ and Λ‐[Ru(bpy)2(dmppd)]2+ (dmppd = 10,12‐Dimethylpteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13(10H,12H)‐dione; bpy = 2,2′‐Bipyridine)

Two novel chiral ruthenium(II) complexes, Δ‐[Ru(bpy)₂(dmppd)]²⁺ and Λ‐[Ru(bpy)₂(dmppd)]²⁺ (dmppd = 10,12‐dimethylpteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13(10H,12H)‐dione, bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H‐NMR and ES‐MS. The DNA‐binding behaviors of both complexes were studied by UV/VIS absorption titration, competitive binding experiments, viscosity measurements, thermal DNA denaturation, and circular‐dichroism spectra. The results indicate that both chiral complexes bind to calf‐thymus DNA in an intercalative mode, and the Δ enantiomer shows larger DNA affinity than the Λ enantiomer does. Theoretical‐calculation studies for the DNA‐binding behaviors of these complexes were carried out by the density‐functional‐theory method. The mechanism involved in the regulating and controlling of the DNA‐binding abilities of the complexes was further explored by the comparative studies of [Ru(bpy)₂(dmppd)]²⁺ and of its parent complex [Ru(bpy)₂(ppd)]²⁺ (ppd = pteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13 (10H,12H)‐dione).     

Computational Design of New Heterofullerene‐Based Biomimetic α‐Carbonic Anhydrase Analogues

The biomimetic CO₂ hydration activity of Ru/Rh‐doped fullerenes was revealed by using density functional theory calculations. The mechanism of CO₂ hydration on the proposed heterofullerenes followed the mechanistic action of α‐carbonic anhydrases, and consisted of the adsorption and deprotonation of H₂O, CO₂ interaction with hydroxyl groups, CO₂ bending, and proton transfer to give the product. Free‐energy landscapes for the reaction showed the catalysts to be active for the reaction. H₂O adsorption over the catalysts was exergonic whereas CO₂ adsorption over the catalyst–OH complex was observed to be an endergonic process. Intramolecular proton transfer resulting in the final product, , was found to be the rate‐limiting step for the reaction on C₅₆N₃M (M=Ru/Rh), whereas H₂O dissociation was found to be the rate‐limiting step for the reaction on C₅₉M (M=Ru/Rh). C₅₆N₃M catalysts were found to be superior to C₅₉M catalysts for biomimetic CO₂ hydration, as indicated by the free‐energy landscapes and energy requirements.     

On the use of “fast kinetics” to determine the mechanism of ligand substitution at a solvated transition‐metal intermediate

Substitution of the weakly‐coordinated solvent molecule at a solvated transition‐metal intermediate is frequently investigated by “fast kinetic” methods. In typical experiments, the kinetics of the reaction are determined by following the time dependence of the changes in the reaction mixture's UV‐visible or infrared spectrum following photolytic creation of the intermediate. We consider the two limiting mechanisms (associative and dissociative), as well as the case of competition between them, and show that under typical “fast kinetics” experimental conditions, the different mechanisms are kinetically indistinguishable. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 36: 427–433, 2004     

Configurational Assignment of ‘Cryptochiral’ 10‐Hydroxystearic Acid Through an Asymmetric Catalytic Synthesis

An asymmetric catalytic total synthesis of (S)‐10‐hydroxystearic acid ( 1 ) for comparison of its absolute configuration to that of samples obtained by fermentative hydration of oleic acid is reported. The synthesis involves two catalytic key‐steps, namely Ru‐catalyzed anti‐Markovnikov hydration of 9‐decynoic acid ( 7 ) to 10‐oxodecanoic acid ( 5 ), followed by titanium‐mediated asymmetric catalytic addition of dioctylzinc ( 25 ) to 5 in presence of the chiral ligand N,N’‐((1R,2R)‐cyclohexane‐1,2‐diyl)bis(1,1,1‐trifluoromethanesulfonamide) ( 6 ). The synthesis is short and efficient and avoids use of protecting groups. Ozonolysis of 10‐undecynoic acid ( 9 ) to 5 provides an alternative entry point into the synthetic route. The double dehydrobromination of (ω,ω‐1)‐dibromoalkanoic acids to ω‐alkynoic acids under a variety of conditions was investigated with 10,11‐dibromoundecanoic acid ( 11 ) as model substrate and using qNMR to quantify all reaction products. The synthetic approaches presented here have the potential to be generalized to the asymmetric catalytic synthesis of a variety of n‐hydroxy‐fatty acids.     

Design and spectroscopic study of new ruthenium(II) complexes containing ligands derived from terpyridine and dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine: {Ru(4′‐Rph‐tpy) [dppz(COOH)]Cl}PF6 with R = NO2, Br,Cl

A series of polypyridine ruthenium complexes of the general formula {Ru(Rph‐tpy)[dppz(COOH)]Cl} PF₆ with R = Br ( 1 ), Cl ( 2 ), NO₂ ( 3 ) where Rph‐tpy is 4′‐(4‐Rphenyl‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine and dppz(COOH) is dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine‐2‐carboxylic acid were prepared and characterized. These complexes display intense metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (MLCT) bands centered about 500 nm. The effect of pH on the absorption spectra of these complexes consisting of protonatable ligands has been investigated in water solution by spectrophotometric titration. The electrochemistry shows oxidation potentials for the Ru(II)–Ru(III) couple at +0.881 ( 1 ), +0.907 ( 2 ) and +0.447 V ( 3 ), respectively. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

(η6‐Hexamethylbenzene)(mesidine)­ditriflatoruthenium(II)

The crystal structure of the title complex, (η⁶‐hexamethylbenzene)bis(trifluoromethanesulfonato‐O)(2,4,6‐trimethylanil­ine‐N)ruthenium(II), [Ru(CF₃O₃S)₂(C₁₂H₁₈)(C₉H₁₃N)], is described. The complex has the classic three‐legged piano‐stool structure with a planar arene 1.667 Å from the metal, two monodentate O‐bound tri­fluoro­methane­sulfonate ligands [Ru—O 2.169 (2) and 2.174 (2) Å] and one N‐bound mesidine ligand [Ru—N 2.198 (2) Å]. The Ru—N distance is relatively long and the average Ru—O distance is relatively short when compared with previously characterized Ru^II complexes.     

Synthesis and photophysical properties of novel amphiphilic ruthenium (II) complexes containing 4,4′‐dialkylaminomethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl ligands

The synthesis of a number of new 2,2′‐bipyridine ligands functionalized with bulky amino side groups is reported. Three homoleptic polypyridyl ruthenium (II) complexes, [Ru(L)₃]²⁺ 2(PF₆^?), where L is 4,4′‐dioctylaminomethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (Ru4a), 4,4′‐didodecylaminomethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (Ru4b) and 4,4′‐dioctadodecylaminomethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (Ru4c), have been synthesized. These compounds were characterized and their photophysical properties examined. The electronic spectra of three complexes show pyridyl π → π* transitions in the UV region and metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer bands in the visible region. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of Imines via Reactions of Benzyl Alcohol with Amines Using Half‐Sandwich (η6‐p‐cymene) Ruthenium(II) Complexes Stabilised by 2‐aminofluorene Derivatives

A new class of half‐sandwich (η⁶‐p‐cymene) ruthenium(II) complexes supported by 2‐aminofluorene derivatives [Ru(η⁶‐p‐cymene)(Cl)(L)] ( L  = 2‐(((9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)imino)methyl)phenol ( L ¹ ), 2‐(((9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)imino)methyl)‐3‐methoxyphenol ( L ² ), 1‐(((9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)imino)methyl)naphthalene‐2‐ol ( L ³ ) and N‐((1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)methylene)‐9H‐fluorene‐2‐amine ( L ⁴ )) were synthesized. All compounds were fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV–Vis, NMR) and also by mass spectrometry. The solid state molecular structures of the complexes [Ru(η⁶‐p‐cymene)(Cl)(L²)], [Ru(η⁶‐p‐cymene)(Cl)(L³)] and [Ru(η⁶‐p‐cymene)(Cl)(L⁴)] revealed that the 2‐aminofluorene and p‐cymene moieties coordinate to ruthenium(II) in a three‐legged piano‐stool geometry. The synthesized complexes were used as catalysts for the dehydrogenative coupling of benzyl alcohol with a range of amines (aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic). The reactions were carried out under thermal heating, ultrasound and microwave assistance, using solvent or solvent free conditions, and the catalytic performance was optimized regarding the solvent, the type of base, the catalyst loading and the temperature. Moderately high to very high isolated yields were obtained using [Ru(η⁶‐p‐cymene)(Cl)(L⁴)] at 1 mol%. In general, microwave irradiation produced better yields than the other two techniques irrespective of the nature of the substituents.     

Syntheses of 3‐arm and 4‐arm star‐branched polystyrene Ru(II) complexes by the click‐to‐chelate approach

Metal template synthesis is a useful methodology to make sophisticated macromolecular architectures because of the variety of metal ion coordination. To use metal template methodology, chelating functionalities should be introduced to macromolecules before complexation. In this article, we demonstrate the click‐to‐chelate approach to install chelating functionality to polystyrene (PS) and complexation with Ru(II) ions to form 3‐arm and 4‐arm star‐branched PS Ru(II) complexes. Azide‐terminated PS (PS‐N₃) was readily prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization using 1‐bromoethylbenzene as an initiator followed by substitution of bromine by an azide group. The Cu(I)‐catalyzed 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of PS‐N₃ with 2‐ethynylpyridine or 2,6‐diethynylpyridine affords 2‐(1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine (PS‐tapy) or 2,6‐bis(1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine (PS‐bitapy) ligands bearing one or two PS chains at the first‐position of the triazole rings. Ru(II) complexes of PS‐tapy and PS‐bitapy were prepared by conventional procedure. The number‐averaged molecular weights (M_ns) of these complexes were determined to be 6740 and 10,400, respectively, by size exclusion chromatography using PS standards. These M_n values indicated the formation of 3‐arm and 4‐arm star‐branched PS Ru(II) complexes [Ru(PS‐tapy)₃](PF₆)₂ and [Ru(PS‐bitapy)₂](PF₆)₂ on the basis of the M_n values of PS‐tapy (2090) and PS‐bitapy (4970). The structures of these complexes were also confirmed by UV–vis spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography of the Ru(II) complexes [Ru(Bn‐tapy)₃](PF₆)₂ and [Ru(Bn‐bitapy)₂](PF₆)₂, which bear a benzyl group instead of a PS chain. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011