1-(2′-Pyridylazo)-2-naphtholate complexes of ruthenium: Synthesis,characterization, and DNA binding properties

Reaction of 1-(2′-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (Hpan) with [Ru(dmso)₄Cl₂] (dmso = dimethylsulfoxide), [Ru(trpy)Cl₃] (trpy = 2,2′,2″-terpyridine), [Ru(bpy)Cl₃] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) and [Ru(PPh₃)₃Cl₂] in refluxing ethanol in the presence of a base (NEt₃) affords, respectively, the [Ru(pan)₂], [Ru(trpy)(pan)]⁺ (isolated as perchlorate salt), [Ru(bpy)(pan)Cl] and [Ru(PPh₃)₂(pan)Cl] complexes. Structures of these four complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. In each of these complexes, the pan ligand is coordinated to the metal center as a monoanionic tridentate N,N,O-donor. Reaction of the [Ru(bpy)(pan)Cl] complex with pyridine (py) and 4-picoline (pic) in the presence of silver ion has yielded the [Ru(bpy)(pan)(py)]⁺ and [Ru(bpy)(pan)(pic)]⁺ complexes (isolated as perchlorate salts), respectively. All the complexes are diamagnetic (low-spin d⁶, S = 0) and show characteristic ¹H NMR signals and intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. Cyclic voltammetry on all the complexes shows a Ru(II)–Ru(III) oxidation on the positive side of SCE. Except in the [Ru(pan)₂] complex, a second oxidative response has been observed in the other five complexes. Reductions of the coordinated ligands have also been observed on the negative side of SCE. The [Ru(trpy)(pan)]ClO₄, [Ru(bpy)(pan)(py)]ClO₄ and [Ru(bpy)(pan)(pic)]ClO₄ complexes have been observed to bind to DNA, but they have not been able to cleave super-coiled DNA on UV irradiation.     

Facile design of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium (II) composite film suitable for a three-dimensional light-harvesting system

It has been confirmed that octasulfonatocalix[8]arene (Calx-S8) and tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium (II) (Ru(bpy)₃²⁺) can form a stable host-guest complex in aqueous solution. The binding constant for 1:1 [Calx-S8⁸⁻·Ru(bpy)₃²⁺]⁶⁻ complex formation was estimated to be (2.4±0.8)×10⁴ dm³ mol⁻¹ by fluorescence titration, which indicates that the [Calx-S8⁸⁻·Ru(bpy)₃²⁺]⁶⁻ complex is the main species in 1:1 molar ratio aqueous solution of Calx-S8 and Ru(bpy)₃²⁺. In situ UV-Vis spectroscopic measurements indicated that Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ complexes can be readily deposited onto ITO electrode through electrochemical polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) using [Calx-S8⁸⁻·Ru(bpy)₃²⁺]⁶⁻ host-guest complex as a dopant anion owing to the electrostatic interaction between the cationic conductive polymer and the anionic host-guest complex. The loading degree of the composite film with Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ can be determined by Lambert-Beer law modified for the two-dimensional concentration. The obtained composite film showed good photoelectric conversion properties in response to visible light irradiation. This is a novel photocurrent generation system in which the photoexcited state energy is efficiently collected by the conductive polymeric layer.     

Synthesis and properties of 6,6′-dithienyl-4,4′-bipyrimidine and its hetero- and homo-leptic Ru(II) complexes

Hetero- and homo-leptic Ru(II) complexes of a new 4,4′-bipyrimidine ligand, th₂bpm (6,6′-di(2″-thienyl)-4,4′-bipyrimidine), have been synthesized and characterized. The parent ligand th₂bpm has electron rich thiophene units on the periphery of a bidentate ligand which is capable of binding to metal ions. The heteroleptic complex of th₂bpm [Ru(bpy)₂th₂bpm]²⁺ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) exhibits a Ru-to-bpm metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorption centered at 547 nm and a Ru-to-bpy MLCT absorption centered at 438 nm. The assignment of the low energy absorption is supported by the relative ease of electrochemical reduction of the new complex as compared to [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺. The homoleptic complex, [Ru(th₂bpm)₃]²⁺, exhibits a Ru-to-bpm MLCT absorption at slightly higher energy (544 nm). Both complexes are emissive at room temperature in fluid solution and 5 is one of the lowest energy emitters based on tris-bidentate Ru(II) complexes known (λ_max = 770 nm). The luminescence spectra is red-shifted compared to [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ and this effect is ascribed to the delocalization in the acceptor ligand.     

Simultaneous, sensitive and selective on-line chemiluminescence determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) by capillary electrophoresis

A novel in-capillary reduction and capillary electrophoretic (CE)-chemiluminescence (CL) method was developed for the sensitive and selective determination of chromium(III) and chromium(VI). The proposed method was based on the in-capillary reduction of Cr(VI) with acidic H₂O₂ to form Cr(III) using the zone-passing technique and chemiluminescence detection of Cr(III). The sample [Cr³⁺ and CrO₄²⁻], hydrochloric acid, and H₂O₂ (reductant) solution segments were injected for specified periods of time in this order from the anodic end of a capillary, followed by application of an appropriate running voltage between both ends. As both chromium species have opposite charges, Cr³⁺ migrates to the cathode while CrO₄²⁻ ion, moving oppositely to the anode, reacts with acidic H₂O_2, resulted in formation of Cr³⁺. Based on the migration time difference of both Cr³⁺ ions, they were separated by zone electrophoresis. Running buffer was composed of 0.02 mol l⁻¹ HAc-NaAc (pH 4.7) with 1×10⁻³ mol l⁻¹ EDTA. Parameters affecting CE-CL separation and detection, such as reductant concentration, mixing mode of the analytes with CL reagent, CL reaction reagent pH and concentration, stability of luminol-hydrogen peroxide mixed solution were optimized. The limits of detection for chromium(III) and chromium(VI) (3σ) were 6×10⁻¹³ mol l⁻¹ (mass concentration 12 zmol) and 8×10⁻¹² mol l⁻¹ (160 zmol), respectively. This method offered potential advantages of simplicity, sensitivity, selectivity and applicability to the determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in environmental water.     

Photochemistry of macromolecular metal complexes. II. Synthesis,thermal, and photochemistry of some polypyridyl complexes of chromium (III) bound to macromolecules

Polymer coordinated chromium(III) complexes [Cr(bpy)₂(PAA)₂]⁺, 1 , [Cr(bpy)₂-(PMA)₂]⁺, 2 , [Cr(phen)₂(PAA)₂]⁺, 3 , and [Cr(phen)₂(PMA)₂]⁺, 4 , [where bpy, phen, PAA and PMA are, respectively, 2,2′-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline, poly(acrylic acid), and poly(methacrylic acid)] were synthesized. The polymer–chromium(III) complexes were characterized by elemental and spectroscopic analyses. Thermal substitution reactions of these macromolecular chromium(III) complexes in basic solutions lead to the replacement of the polypyridyl ligand by hydroxide ion while in strong acidic solutions the polymer complexes precipitate out. The photochemical reactions are qualitatively similar to that of the thermal reactions and the quantum yields are dependant on the pH of the medium. Further, lower quantum yields were observed for the aquation of the polymer complexes in comparison with the monomeric chromium(III) complexes and the results are discussed in terms of the effect of the polymer environment. Flash photolysis of 1 and 3 results in the formation of transients with maxima at 480 nm for 1 and 470 nm, 580 nm for 3 . The decay of the transients were found to obey first order kinetics and the rate constants were determined. The transients were suggested to be the alkyl-chromium complexes. Flash photolysis of 2 and 4 does not produce transients which is interpreted to be due to the presence of a methyl group in the ligand which hinders the formation of the carbonchromium bond.     

Flow injection chemiluminescence determination of carbaryl using photolytic decomposition and photogenerated tris (2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(III)

A flow injection (FI) system combined with two photochemical processes is developed for the sensitive and rapid determination of carbaryl. It is based on the on-line photo-conversion of carbaryl into methylamine which subsequently reacts with Ru(bpy)₃³⁺ generated through the on-line photo-oxidation of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ with peroxydisulphate. The linear concentration range of application was 0.04-4.0 μg ml⁻¹ of carbaryl, with an R.S.D. of 1.2% (for a level of 0.50 μg ml⁻¹) and a detection limit of 0.012 μg ml⁻¹. The sample throughput was 200 injections per hour. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by determining carbaryl in commercial formulations, water, soil, grain and blood serum.     

Electrochemiluminescent behaviors of alkaloids and tris(2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium in organically modified silicate film

Electrogenerated chemiluminescences (ECLs) of alkaloids, such as berberine, trigonelline, allantoin and betaine, were studied in an aqueous alkaline buffer solution (pH 9.5), based on tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) [Ru(bpy)₃²⁺] immobilized in organically modified silicates (ORMOSILs) film on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The immobilized Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ showed good electrochemical and photochemical activities. In a flow system, the eluted alkaloids were oxidized on the modified GCE, and reacted with immobilized Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ at the potential of +1.50 V (versus Ag/AgCl). The luminescence with λ_max 610 nm was caused by a reaction of electrolytically formed Ru(bpy)₃³⁺ with an oxidized amine group to generate Ru(bpy)₃^2+*. The determination limit was 5 × 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹, 8 × 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹, 2.0 × 10⁻⁵ mol L⁻¹ and 5.0 × 10⁻⁵ mol L⁻¹ for berberine, trigonelline, allantoin and betaine at S/N 3, respectively. In addition, the factors affecting the determination of the four alkaloids were also studied.     

Measurement of the driving force dependence of interfacial charge-transfer rate constants in response to pH changes at n-ZnO/H2O interfaces

Changes in pH have been used to shift the band-edge positions of n-type ZnO electrodes relative to solution-based electron acceptors having pH-independent redox potentials. Differential capacitance vs. potential and current density vs. potential measurements using [Co(bpy)₃]^3+/2+ and [Ru(bpy)₂(MeIm)₂]^3+/2+ (where bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl and MeIm = 1-methyl-imidazole) allowed investigation of the pH-induced driving-force dependence of the interfacial electron-transfer rate in the normal and inverted regions of electron transfer, respectively. All rate processes were observed to be kinetically first-order in the concentration of electrons at the ZnO surface and first-order in the concentration of dissolved redox acceptors. Measurements using [Co(bpy)₃]^3+/2+, which has a low driving force and a high reorganization energy in contact with ZnO electrodes, and measurements of [Ru(bpy)₂(MeIm)₂]^3+/2+, which has a high driving force and a low reorganization energy in contact with ZnO electrodes, allowed for the evaluation of both the normal and inverted regions of interfacial electron-transfer processes, respectively. The rate constant at optimum exoergicity was observed to be approximately 5 × 10⁻¹⁷ cm⁴ s⁻¹. The rate constant vs. driving-force dependence at n-type ZnO electrodes exhibited both normal and inverted regions, and the data were well-fitted by parabolas generated using classical electron-transfer theory.     

Evidence for symmetry reduction in excited states of [Ru(bpy)3]+ and related compounds

Photoselection and other spectroscopic data for [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺, [Ru(phen)₃]²⁺, [Ru(bpy)(py)₄]²⁺ and [Os(bpy)₃]²⁺ suggest that the emitting state for the tris compounds may be localized on a single ring.     

A novel kinetic determination of dissolved chromium species in natural and industrial waste water

A highly sensitive, selective and simple kinetic method was developed for the determination of dissolved chromium species based on the catalytic effect of Cr(III) and/or Cr(VI) on the oxidation of 2-amino-5-methylphenol (AMP) with H₂O₂. The fixed time and initial rate variants were used for kinetic spectrophotometric measurements by tracing the oxidized product at 400 nm for 10 min after starting the reaction. Boric acid and Tween-40 exerted pronounced activating and micellar sensitizing effects on the studied redox reaction, respectively. The optimum reaction conditions were: 3.0 mmol l⁻¹ AMP, 0.45 mol l⁻¹ H₂O₂, 0.50 mol l⁻¹ boric acid, 4 v/v% Tween-40, 10 mmol l⁻¹ phosphate buffer and pH 6.45 ± 0.02 at 35 °C. Both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions exerted the same catalytic effect on the studied reaction. Linear calibration graphs were obtained for the determination of up to 6.0 ng ml⁻¹ Cr with detection limits of 0.054 and 0.10 ng ml⁻¹ Cr; following the fixed time and initial rate methods, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the speciation and determination of trace levels of dissolved Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in natural and effluents of industrial waste water. The total dissolved Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species was determined first. In a second run, Cr(VI) was determined alone after precipitation of Cr(III) ions in presence of Al(OH)₃ collector, where Cr(III) is then determined by difference. Moreover, published catalytic-spectrophotometric methods for chromium determination were reviewed.     

Reactivity of triazolyl Schiff bases with Ru(II)-2,2′-bipyridyl: Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization of isomers and their photo-physical properties

The condensation of 3-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazole with benzaldehyde and terephthalaldehyde provides the bidentate and tetradentate Schiff bases 1,2,4-triazolo-3-imino-benzene L¹H and 1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazolo-3-imino)benzene L²H₂, respectively. The well characterized Schiff bases were allowed to react with cis-Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂ · 2H₂O. Isomers of the mononuclear complexes Ru(bpy)₂L¹]PF₆ · NH₄PF₆ (1a, N4) and [Ru(bpy)₂L¹]PF₆ · 0.5NH₄PF₆ (1b, N2), and the dinuclear Ru(II) complexes [Ru(bpy)₂L²Ru(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ · NH₄PF₆ (2a, N4N4), [Ru(bpy)₂L²Ru(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ · NH₄PF₆ · 2H₂O (2b, N2N2) and [Ru(bpy)₂L²Ru(bpy)₂](PF₆)₃ · NH₄PF₆ (2c, Ru(II)-Ru(III)) were separated by column chromatography and characterized by their elemental analysis, FAB mass and spectral (IR, NMR, UV–Vis) data. The data obtained suggest that the ligands are bound to the metal centre via the N4 and N2 atoms of the triazole moiety along with the N (imine) atom. The complexes display metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) transitions in the visible region from the dπ(Ru^II) → π^∗L transition. Highly intense ligand-based π→π^∗ transitions are observed in the UV region. A dual emission occurs from the N2 and N2N2 isomers.     

Charge-Transfer and Spin-Flip States: Thriving as Complements

Transition metal complexes with photoactive charge-transfer excited states are pervasive throughout the literature. In particular, [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine), with its metal-to-ligand charge-transfer emission, has been established as a key complex. Meanwhile, interest in so-called spin-flip metal-centered states has risen dramatically after the molecular ruby [Cr(ddpd)₂]³⁺ (ddpd=N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-dipyridin-2-yl-pyridine-2,6-diamine) led to design principles to access strong, long-lived emission from photostable chromium(III) complexes. This Review contrasts the properties of emissive charge-transfer and spin-flip states by using [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ and [Cr(ddpd)₂]³⁺ as prototypical examples. We discuss the relevant excited states, the tunability of their energy and lifetimes, and their response to external stimuli. Finally, we identify strengths and weaknesses of charge-transfer and spin-flip states in applications such as photocatalysis and circularly polarized luminescence.     

Polyelectrolyte-based electrochemiluminescence enhancement for Ru(bpy)3 loaded by SiO2 nanoparticle carrier and its high sensitive immunoassay

In this paper the strong electrochemiluminescence (ECL) nanoparticles have been prepared based on the anionic polyelectrolyte sodium polyacrylate (PAA)-ECL enhancement for Ru(bpy)₃²⁺, which were loaded by the carrier of SiO₂ nanoparticle. There were two kinds of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ for the as-prepared nanoparticles, the doped one and the exchanged one. The former was loaded inside the ECL nanoparticles by doping, in a form of ion-pair macromolecules PAA–Ru(bpy)₃²⁺. The corresponding ECL was enhanced about 2 times owing to the doping increase of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺. The latter was loaded on the PAA-doped Nafion membrane by ion exchange. The corresponding ECL was enhanced about 3 times owing to the ion-exchanging increase of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺. At the same time, ECL intensity of the doped-inside Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ was further enhanced 13 times because polyelectrolyte PAA in the doped membrane could obviously enhance electron transfer between the doped Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ and the working electrode. Furthermore, based on hydrophobic regions of the doped membrane antibody labeling could be easily realized by the as-prepared nanoparticles and then a high sensitive ECL immunoassay for HBsAg was developed. The linear range was between 1.0 and 100 pg mL⁻¹ (R² = 0.9912). The detection limit could be as low as 0.11 pg mL⁻¹ (signal-to-noise ratio = 3).     

Study of diffusion-controlled and activation-diffusion-controlled electron-transfer processes from quenching measurements

The diffusion-controlled rate constants, k_d, of various quenching reactions, [Ru(L)₃]^2+∗ (L = bpy, phen and 4,7-(CH₃)₂phen) + [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻, were measured through fluorescence measurements. From them, the effective values of viscosity coefficients for several methanol + water mixtures were calculated. These coefficients were checked through calculations of the rate constants of the reaction [IrCl₆]²⁻ + [Ru(bpy)₃]^2+∗, which were also obtained by fluorescence quenching measurements. The agreement between the two sets of data (experimental and predicted) is excellent. Besides, the trends of association, k_d, and dissociation, k_−d, rate constants for 2+/3−, 2+/2− and 2+/2+ reactions in methanol-water mixtures are discussed. The use of effective diffusion coefficients for estimating k_d and k_−d allowed us to obtain the intrinsic electron transfer rate constant, k_et, for the activation-diffusion-controlled process between [Ru(bpy)₃]^2+∗ and [Co(NH₃)₅Cl]²⁺ complexes from the observed (quenching) rate constant. The influence of methanol-water mixtures on k_et was rationalized by using the Marcus electron-transfer treatment.     

Decay of Ru(BPY)3 3+ in thin nafion layers catalyzed by Co(II)

Catalytic oxidation of water by Ru(bpy)₃ ³⁺ in the presence of Co²⁺ ions, well known in homogeneous solution, has been investigated in thin Nafion layers. Nafion layers on ITO electrodes were equilibrated with Ru(bpy)₃ ²⁺. Ru(bpy)₃ ³⁺ was produced by electrochemical oxidation after which the electrode was transferred into the reaction cell containing buffered Co²⁺ solution. The build up of Ru(bpy)₃ ²⁺ absorbance at 454 nm was followed spectrophotometrically. The reaction rate is proportional to [Ru(III)], [Co²⁺] and [HPO₄ ^2-]. We found no evidence for a pH effect in the range 6–8, and no inhibition by Ru(II). A limiting rate of formation of Ru(II) is observed at high Co²⁺ or phosphate ion concentrations. At high local concentration of the Ru complex in the Nafion layer (~ 0.5 M), two Ru(II) formation processes are observed, their rates differ by one order, but other features (effects of [Ru(III)], [Ru(II)], [Co²⁺], phosphate and pH) remain unchanged. These results are in contrast with homogeneous solution where the rate of build up of Ru(II) has been previously reported to be proportional to [Ru(III)], [Co²⁺] and [OH^-]², and inversely proportional to [Ru(II)]. A mechanism is proposed which accounts for these observations.     

A novel flow injection chemiluminescence determination of Cr(VI) with Dichlorotris(1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II)

A selective novel reverse flow injection system with chemiluminescence detection (rFI-CL) for the determination of Cr(VI) in presence of Cr(III) with Dichlorotris (1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II), (Ru(phen)₃Cl₂), is described in this work. This new method is based on the oxidation capacity of Cr(VI) in H₂SO₄ media. First, the Ruthenium(II) complex is oxidized to Ruthenium(III) complex by Cr(VI) and afterwards it is reduced to the excited state of the Ruthenium(II) complex by a sodium oxalate solution, emitting light inside the detector. The intensity of chemiluminescence (CL) is proportional to the concentration of Cr(VI) and, under optimum conditions, it can be determined over the range of 3-300 μg L⁻¹ with a detection limit of 0.9 μg L⁻¹. The RSD was 8.4% and 1.5% at 5 and 50 μg L⁻¹, respectively. For the rFI-CL method various analytical parameters were optimized: flow rate (1 mL min⁻¹), H₂SO₄ carrier concentration (20% w/V), Ru(phen)₃Cl₂ concentration (5 mM) and sodium oxalate concentration (0.1 M). The effect of Cr(III), Fe(III), Al(III), Cd(II), Zn(II), Hg(II), Pb(II), Ca(II) and Mg(II), was studied. The method is highly sensitive and selective, allowing a fast, on-line determination of Cr(VI) in the presence of Cr(III). Finally, the method was tested in four different water samples (tap, reservoir, well and mineral), with good recovery percentage.     

Stereospecific synthesis and redox properties of ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes bearing a redox-active 1,8-naphthyridine unit

Two stereoisomers of cis-[Ru(bpy)(pynp)(CO)Cl]PF₆ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, pynp = 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine) were selectively prepared. The pyridyl rings of the pynp ligand in [Ru(bpy)(pynp)(CO)Cl]⁺ are situated trans and cis, respectively, to the CO ligand. The corresponding CH₃CN complex ([Ru(bpy)(pynp)(CO)(CH₃CN)]²⁺) was also prepared by replacement reactions of the chlorido ligand in CH₃CN. Using these complexes, ligand-centered redox behavior was studied by electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical techniques. The molecular structures of pynp-containing complexes (two stereoisomers of [Ru(bpy)(pynp)(CO)Cl]PF₆ and [Ru(pynp)₂(CO)Cl]PF₆) were determined by X-ray structure analyses.     

[M(bpy)3] (M = Fe,Ru, Os): New Crystalline Materials from the reductive electrocrystallization of [M(bpy)3](PF6)2

Reductive electrocrystallization at a constant current density (11.0–11.5 μA/cm²) of millimolar solutions of [M(bpy)₃](PF₆)₂, where M = Fe, Ru, or Os, and bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine in acetonitrile containing 0.1M Bu₄NPF₆ results in the formation of dark crystals on the Pt cathode. The crystals grow as long, thin, and shiny needles having a hexagonal cross section of 0.1–0.5 mm in diameter. Combustion microanalyses results are consistent with the composition for [Fe(bpy)₃], [Ru(bpy)₃], and [Os(bpy)₃]. In addition, the chromophores are conserved, as confirmed by recording both the electronic and the ¹H-NMR spectra after reoxidation of the electrocrystals in humid air. The spectra are identical to those for authentic samples of [Fe(bpy)₃]²⁺, [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺, and [Os(bpy)₃]²⁺. A ratio of 2.0 ± 0.1 e^?/molecule is observed upon completion of the controlled potential electrolysis of a solution of [M(bpy)₃]²⁺, which results in the precipitation of a dark solid and the almost complete fading of the color of the original solution. Unexpectedly, the crystals do not exhibit an ESR signal. These data indicate the formation of novel materials, crystalline [Fe(bpy)₃], [Ru(bpy)₃], and [Os(bpy)₃].     

Assessing a Spectroelectrochemical Sensor’s Performance for Detecting [Ru(bpy)3]2+ in Natural and Treated Water

A spectroelectrochemical sensor that combines three modes of selectivity in a single device was evaluated in natural and treated water samples using tris‐(2,2′‐bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) dichloride hexahydrate, [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺, as a model analyte. The sensor was an optically transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode coated with a thin film of partially sulfonated polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene‐ran‐butylene)‐block‐polystyrene (SSEBS). As the potential of the ITO electrode was cycled from +0.7 to +1.3 V, the analyte changed from the colored [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ complex to colorless [Ru(bpy)₃]³⁺ complex and the change in absorbance at 450 nm was used as the optical signal for quantification. Calibration curves were obtained for [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ in natural well water, river water and treated tap water with detection limits of 108, 139 and 264 nM, respectively. A standard addition method was developed to determine an ‘unknown’ spike addition concentration of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ in well water. The spectroelectrochemical sensor determined the concentration of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ spiked into a sample of Hanford well water to be 0.39±0.03 µM versus the actual concentration of 0.40 µM.