Synthesis,Characterization, and DNA Interaction Studies of the Ruthenium(II) Complexes [Ru(bpy)2(ipbp)]2+ and [Ru(ipbp)(phen)2]2+ (ipbp=3‐(1H‐Imidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthrolin‐2‐yl)‐4H‐1‐benzopyran‐2‐one; bpy=2,2′‐Bipyridine; phen=1,10‐Phenanthroline)

A novel ligand 3‐(1H‐imidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthrolin‐2‐yl)‐4H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐one (ipbp) and its ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(bpy)₂(ipbp)]²⁺ ( 1 ) and [Ru(ipbp)(phen)₂]²⁺ ( 2 ) (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, phen=1,10‐phenanthroline) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and mass, ¹H‐NMR, and electronic‐absorption spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of the complexes was studied by cyclic voltammetry. The DNA‐binding behavior of the complexes was investigated by spectroscopic methods and viscosity measurements. The results indicate that complexes 1 and 2 bind with calf‐thymus DNA in an intercalative mode. In addition, 1 and 2 promote cleavage of plasmid pBR 322 DNA from the supercoil form I to the open circular form II upon irradiation.     

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).     

Luminescent Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes as Nonviral Carriers for DNA Delivery

Two new luminescent ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes, [Ru(bpy)₂(tpt‐phen)]Cl₂ ( 1 ; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, tpt‐phen=triptycenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline) and [Ru(phen)₂(tpt‐phen)]Cl₂ ( 2 ; phen=1,10‐phenanthroline), have been developed as potential nonviral vectors for DNA delivery. Photophysical and electrochemical properties of the complexes have been investigated and corroborated with electronic structure calculations. DNA condensation by these complexes has been investigated by UV/Vis and emission spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, confocal microscopy, and electrophoretic mobility studies. These complexes interact with DNA and efficiently condense DNA into globular nanoparticles that are taken up efficiently by HeLa cells. DNA cleavage inability and biocompatibility of complexes have been explored. Both complexes have good gene transfection abilities.     

Experimental and Theoretical Studies on DNA‐Binding and Spectral Properties of ‘Light Switch’ Complexes [Ru(L)2(ppn)]2+ (L=2,2′‐Bipyridine and 1,10‐Phenanthroline; ppn=Pteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13‐diamine)

The ligand pteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13‐diamine (ppn) and its Ru^II complexes [Ru(bpy)₂(ppn)]²⁺ ( 1 ; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) and [Ru(phen)₂(ppn)]²⁺ ( 2 ; phen=1,10‐phenanthroline) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, electrospray MS, ¹H‐NMR, and cyclic voltammetry. The DNA‐binding behaviors of 1 and 2 were studied by spectroscopic and viscosity measurements. The results indicate that both complexes strongly bind to calf‐thymus DNA in an intercalative mode, with DNA‐binding constants K_b of (1.7±0.4)?10⁶ M ^?1 and (2.6±0.2)?10⁶ M ^?1, respectively. The complexes 1 and 2 exhibit excellent DNA‐‘light switch’ performances, i.e., they do not (or extremely weakly) show luminescence in aqueous solution at room temperature but are strongly luminescent in the presence of DNA. In particular, the experimental results suggest that the ancillary ligands bpy and phen not only have a significant effect on the DNA‐binding affinities of 1 and 2 but also have a certain effect on their spectral properties. [Ru(phen)₂(ppn)]²⁺( 2 ) might be developed into a very prospective DNA‐‘light switch’ complex. To explain the DNA‐binding and spectral properties of 1 and 2 , theoretical calculations were also carried out applying the DFT/TDDFT method.     

Metallomacrocycles with a Difference: Macrocyclic Complexes with Exocyclic Ruthenium(II)‐Containing Domains

The templated synthesis of organic macrocycles containing rings of up to 96 atoms and three 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy) units is described. Starting with the bpy‐centred ligands 5,5′‐bis[3‐(1,4‐dioxahept‐6‐enylphenyl)]‐2,2′‐bipyridine and 5,5′‐bis[3‐(1,4,7‐trioxadec‐9‐enylphenyl)]‐2,2′‐bipyridine, we have applied Grubbs’ methodology to couple the terminal alkene units of the coordinated ligands in [FeL₃]²⁺ complexes. Hydrogenation and demetallation of the iron(II)‐containing macrocyclic complexes results in the isolation of large organic macrocycles. The latter bind {Ru(bpy)₂} units to give macrocyclic complexes with exocyclic ruthenium(II)‐containing domains. The complex [Ru(bpy)₂(L)]²⁺ (isolated as the hexafluorophosphate salt), in which L=5,5′‐bis[3‐(1,4,7,10‐tetraoxatridec‐12‐enylphenyl)]‐2,2′‐bipyridine, undergoes intramolecular ring‐closing metathesis to yield a macrocycle which retains the exocyclic {Ru(bpy)₂} unit. The poly(ethyleneoxy) domains in the latter macrocycle readily scavenge sodium ions, as proven by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and atomic absorption spectroscopy data for the bulk sample. In addition to the new compounds, a series of model complexes have been fully characterized, and representative single‐crystal X‐ray structural data are presented for iron(II) and ruthenium(II) acyclic and macrocyclic species.     

Stabilization of G‐Quadruplex DNA,Inhibition of Telomerase Activity and Live Cell Imaging Studies of Chiral Ruthenium(II) Complexes

Telomerase inhibition is an attractive strategy for cancer chemotherapy. In the current study, we have synthesized and characterized two chiral ruthenium(II) complexes, namely, Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ and Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺, where phen is 1,10‐phenanthroline and p‐MOPIP is 2‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐imidazo[4,5f][1,10]phenanthroline. The chiral selectivity of the compounds and their ability to discriminate quadruplex DNA were investigated by using UV/Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, fluorescence resonance energy transfer melting assay, polymerase chain reaction stop assay and telomerase repeat amplification protocol. The results indicate that the two chiral compounds could induce and stabilize the formation of antiparallel G‐quadruplexes of telomeric DNA in the presence or absence of metal cations. We report the remarkable ability of the two complexes Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ and Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ to stabilize selectively G‐quadruplex DNA; the former is a better G‐quadruplex binder than the latter. The anticancer activities of these complexes were evaluated by using the MTT assay. Interestingly, the antiproliferative activity of Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ was higher than that of Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺, and Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ showed a significant antitumor activity in HepG2 cells. The status of the nuclei in Λ/Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺‐treated HepG2 cells was investigated by using real‐time living cell microscopy to determine the effects of Λ/Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ on intracellular accumulation. The results show that Λ/Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ can be taken up by HepG2 cells and can enter into the cytoplasm as well as accumulate in the nuclei; this suggests that the nuclei were the cellular targets of Λ/Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺.     

Spectroelectrochemistry and localization of added electrons in ruthenium (II) mixed-ligand complexes

The ruthenium (II) mixed-ligand complexes cis-[Ru(bpy)₂(NCS)₂] (I), [Ru(bpy)₂(pn)]²⁺ (II) and [Ru(bpy)₂(phen)]²⁺ (III) (bpy, 2,2′-bipyridine; pn, 1,2-diaminopropane; phen, 1,10-phenanthroline) were subjected to two (for I and II), and three (for III) stepwise, one-electron reductions, and one-electron oxidations (all fully reversible); the products were studied in situ by solution UV—vis-near IR spectroscopy. The first two reductions took place in all cases on separate bpy ligands, while the third reduction of III took place on phen. Bands of the reduced species in the near IR—vis region are observed and assigned to anion radical ligands. Novel features of the LMCT bands of the oxidized species are presented and discussed.     

Two‐Photon Chemistry in Ruthenium 2,2′‐Bipyridyl‐Functionalized Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Ruthenium polypyridyl complexes are widely used as light harvesters in dye‐sensitized solar cells. Since one of the potential applications of single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and their derived materials is their use as active components in organic and hybrid solar cells, the study of the photochemistry of SWCNTs with tethered ruthenium polypyridyl complexes is important. A water‐soluble ruthenium tris(bipyridyl) complex linked through peptidic bonds to SWCNTs (Ru‐SWCNTs) was prepared by radical addition of thiol‐terminated SWCNT to a terminal C?C double bond of a bipyridyl ligand of the ruthenium tris(bipyridyl) complex. The resulting macromolecular Ru‐SWCNT (≈500 nm, 15.6 % ruthenium complex content) was water‐soluble and was characterized by using TEM, thermogravimetric analysis, chemical analysis, and optical spectroscopy. The emission of Ru‐SWCNT is 1.6 times weaker than that of a mixture of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ and SWCNT of similar concentration. Time‐resolved absorption optical spectroscopy allows the detection of the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺‐excited triplet and [Ru(bpy)₃]⁺. The laser flash studies reveal that Ru‐SWCNT exhibits an unprecedented two‐photon process that is enabled by the semiconducting properties of the SWCNT. Thus, the effect of the excitation wavelength and laser power on the transient spectra indicate that upon excitation of two [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ complexes of Ru‐SWCNT, a disproportionation process occurs leading to delayed formation of [Ru(bpy)₃]⁺ and the performance of the SWCNT as a semiconductor. This two‐photon delayed [Ru(bpy)₃]⁺ generation is not observed in the photolysis of [Ru(bpy)₃]³⁺; SWCNT acts as an electron wire or electron relay in the disproportionation of two [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ triplets in a process that illustrates that the SWCNT plays a key role in the process. We propose a mechanism for this two‐photon disproportionation compatible with i) the need for high laser flux, ii) the long lifetime of the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ triplets, iii) the semiconducting properties of the SWNT, and iv) the energy of the HOMO/LUMO levels involved.     

Near‐IR Absorbing Ruthenium Complexes of Non‐Innocent 6,12‐Di(pyridin‐2‐yl)indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole: Variation as a Function of Co‐Ligands

This article deals with the hitherto unexplored metal complexes of deprotonated 6,12‐di(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐5,11‐dihydroindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole (H₂L). The synthesis and structural, optical, electrochemical characterization of dimeric [{Ru^III(acac)₂}₂(μ‐L^.?)]ClO₄ ([ 1 ]ClO₄, S=1/2), [{Ru^II(bpy)₂}₂(μ‐L^.?)](ClO₄)₃ ([ 2 ](ClO₄)₃, S=1/2), [{Ru^II(pap)₂}₂(μ‐L^2?)](ClO₄)₂ ([ 4 ](ClO₄)₂, S=0), and monomeric [(bpy)₂Ru^II(HL^?)]ClO₄ ([ 3 ]ClO₄, S=0), [(pap)₂Ru^II(HL^?)]ClO₄ ([ 5 ]ClO₄, S=0) (acac=σ‐donating acetylacetonate, bpy=moderately π‐accepting 2,2’‐bipyridine, pap=strongly π‐accepting 2‐phenylazopyridine) are reported. The radical and dianionic states of deprotonated L in isolated dimeric 1 ⁺/ 2 ³⁺ and 4 ²⁺, respectively, could be attributed to the varying electronic features of the ancillary (acac, bpy, and pap) ligands, as was reflected in their redox potentials. Perturbation of the energy level of the deprotonated L or HL upon coordination with {Ru(acac)₂}, {Ru(bpy)₂}, or {Ru(pap)₂} led to the smaller energy gap in the frontier molecular orbitals (FMO), resulting in bathochromically shifted NIR absorption bands (800–2000 nm) in the accessible redox states of the complexes, which varied to some extent as a function of the ancillary ligands. Spectroelectrochemical (UV/Vis/NIR, EPR) studies along with DFT/TD‐DFT calculations revealed (i) involvement of deprotonated L or HL in the oxidation processes owing to its redox non‐innocent potential and (ii) metal (Ru^III/Ru^II) or bpy/pap dominated reduction processes in 1 ⁺ or 2 ²⁺/ 3 ⁺/ 4 ²⁺/ 5 ⁺, respectively.     

Ruthenafuran Complexes Supported by the Bipyridine-Bis(diphenylphosphino)methane Ligand Set: Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Studies

Mononuclear and dinuclear Ru(II) complexes cis-[Ru(κ²-dppm)(bpy)Cl₂] (1), cis-[Ru(κ²-dppe)(bpy)Cl₂] (2) and [Ru₂(bpy)₂(μ-dpam)₂(μ-Cl)₂](Cl)₂ ([3](Cl)₂) were prepared from the reactions between cis(Cl), cis(S)-[Ru(bpy)(dmso-S)₂Cl₂] and diphosphine/diarsine ligands (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; dppm = 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino)methane; dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane; dpam = 1,1-bis(diphenylarsino)methane). While methoxy-substituted ruthenafuran [Ru(bpy)(κ²-dppe)(C^O)]⁺ ([7]⁺; C^O = anionic bidentate [C(OMe)CHC(Ph)O]⁻ chelate) was obtained as the only product in the reaction between 2 and phenyl ynone HC≡C(C=O)Ph in MeOH, replacing 2 with 1 led to the formation of both methoxy-substituted ruthenafuran [Ru(bpy)(κ²-dppm)(C^O)]⁺ ([4]⁺) and phosphonium-ring-fused bicyclic ruthenafuran [Ru(bpy)(P^C^O)Cl]⁺ ([5]⁺; P^C^O = neutral tridentate [(Ph)₂PCH₂P(Ph)₂CCHC(Ph)O] chelate). All of these aforementioned metallafuran complexes were derived from Ru(II)–vinylidene intermediates. The potential applications of these metallafuran complexes as anticancer agents were evaluated by in vitro cytotoxicity studies against cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cancer cell line. All the ruthenafuran complexes were found to be one order of magnitude more cytotoxic than cisplatin, which is one of the metal-based anticancer agents being widely used currently.     

Application of a Structure/Oxidation‐State Correlation to Complexes of Bridging Azo Ligands

Based on data from more than 40 crystal structures of metal complexes with azo‐based bridging ligands (2,2′‐azobispyridine, 2,2′‐azobis(5‐chloropyrimidine), azodicarbonyl derivatives), a correlation between the N? N bond lengths (d_NN) and the oxidation state of the ligand (neutral, neutral/back‐donating, radical‐anionic, dianionic) was derived. This correlation was applied to the analysis of four ruthenium compounds of 2,2′‐azobispyridine (abpy), that is, the new asymmetrical rac‐[(acac)₂Ru1(μ‐abpy)Ru2(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₂ ([ 1 ](ClO₄)₂), [Ru(acac)₂(abpy)] ( 2 ), [Ru(bpy)₂(abpy)](ClO₄)₂ ([ 3 ](ClO₄)₂), and meso‐[(bpy)₂Ru(μ‐abpy)Ru(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₃ ([ 4 ](ClO₄)₃; acac^?=2,4‐pentanedionato, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine). In agreement with DFT calculations, both mononuclear species 2 and 3 ²⁺ can be described as ruthenium(II) complexes of unreduced abpy⁰, with 1.295(5)<d_NN<1.320(3) Å, thereby exhibiting effects from π back‐donation. However, the abpy ligand in both the asymmetrical diamagnetic compound 1 ²⁺ (d_NN=1.374(6) Å) and the symmetrical compound 4 ³⁺ (d_NN=1.360(7), 1.368(8) Å) must be formulated as abpy^.?. Remarkably, the addition of [Ru^II(bpy)₂]²⁺ to mononuclear [Ru^II(acac)₂(abpy⁰)] induces intracomplex electron‐transfer under participation of the noninnocent abpy bridge to yield rac‐[(acac)₂Ru1^III(μ‐abpy^.?)Ru2^II(bpy)₂]²⁺ ( 1 ²⁺) with strong antiferromagnetic coupling between abpy^.? and Ru^III (DFT (B3LYP/LANL2DZ/6‐31G*)‐calculated triplet–singlet energy separation E_S=1?E_S=0=11739 cm^?1). Stepwise one‐electron transfer was studied for compound 1 ⁿ, n=1?, 0, 1+, 2+, 3+, by UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry, EPR spectroscopy, and by DFT calculations. Whereas the first oxidation of compound 1 ²⁺ was found to mainly involve the central ligand to produce an (abpy⁰)‐bridged Class I mixed‐valent Ru1^IIIRu2^II species, the first reduction of compound 1 ²⁺ affected both the bridge and Ru1 atom to form a radical complex ( 1 ⁺), with considerable metal participation in the spin‐distribution. Further reduction moves the spin towards the {Ru2(bpy)₂} entity.     

Chiral Bis(oxazoline) Ruthenium Complexes with Bipyridyl‐Type N‐Heteroaromatics: Comparative Stereochemical and Photochemical Characterization of their Λ‐ and Δ‐Diastereomeric Geminate Isomers

Diastereomeric geminate pairs of chiral bis(2‐oxazoline) ruthenium complexes with bipyridyl‐type N‐heteroaromatics, Λ‐ and Δ‐[Ru(L‐ L)₂(iPr‐biox)]²⁺ (iPr‐biox=(4S,4′S)‐4,4′‐diisopropyl‐2,2′‐bis(2‐oxazoline); L‐ L=2,2′‐bipyridyl (bpy) for 1 Λ and 1 Δ, 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl (dmbpy) for 2 Λ and 2 Δ, and 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) for 3 Λ and 3 Δ), were separated as BF₄ and PF₆ salts and were subjected to the comparative studies of their stereochemical and photochemical characterization. DFT calculations of 1 Λ and 1 Δ electronic configurations for the lowest triplet excited state revealed that their MO‐149 (HOMO) and MO‐150 (lower SOMO) characters are interchanged between them and that the phosphorescence‐emissive states are an admixture of a Ru‐to‐biox charge‐transfer state and an intraligand excited state within the iPr‐biox. Furthermore, photoluminescence properties of the two Λ,Δ‐diastereomeric series are discussed with reference to [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺.     

Ligand Substitution Reactions on Aquapentachloro‐ and Hexachloroplatinic Acid — Synthesis and Characterization of Tetrachloroplatinum(IV) Complexes with Heterocyclic N,N Donors

Reactions of aquapentachloroplatinic acid, (H₃O)[PtCl₅(H₂O)]·2(18C6)·6H₂O ( 1 ) (18C6 = 18‐crown‐6), and H₂[PtCl₆]·6H₂O ( 2 ) with heterocyclic N, N donors (2, 2′‐bipyridine, bpy; 4, 4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2, 2′‐bipyridine, tBu₂bpy; 1, 10‐phenanthroline, phen; 4, 7‐diphenyl‐1, 10‐phenanthroline, Ph₂phen; 2, 2′‐bipyrimidine, bpym) afforded with ligand substitution platinum(IV) complexes [PtCl₄(N∩N)] (N∩N = bpy, 3a ; tBu₂bpy, 3b ; Ph₂phen, 5 ; bpym, 7 ) and/or with protonation of N, N donor yielding (R₂phenH)₂[PtCl₆] (R = H, 4a ; Ph, 4b ) and (bpymH)⁺ ( 8 ). With UV irradiation Ph₂phen and bpym reacted with reduction yielding platinum(II) complexes [PtCl₂(N∩N)] (N∩N = Ph₂phen, 6 ; bpym, 9 ). Identities of all complexes were established by microanalysis as well as by NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹⁵Pt) and IR spectroscopic investigations. Molecular structures of [PtCl₄(bpym)]·MeOH ( 7 ) and [PtCl₂(Ph₂phen)] ( 6 ) were determined by X‐ray diffraction analyses. Differences in reactivity of bpy/bpym and phen ligands are discussed in terms of calculated structures of complexes [PtCl₅(N∩N)]^— with monodentately bound N, N ligands (N∩N = bpy, 10a ; phen, 10b ; bpym, 10c ).     

Photophysical Properties of Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl DNA Intercalators: Effects of the Molecular Surroundings Investigated by Theory

The environmental effects on the structural and photophysical properties of [Ru(L)₂(dppz)]²⁺ complexes (L=bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, phen=1,10‐phenanthroline, tap=1,4,5,8‐tetraazaphenanthrene; dppz=dipyrido[3,3‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine), used as DNA intercalators, have been studied by means of DFT, time‐dependent DFT, and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations. The electronic characteristics of the low‐lying triplet excited states in water, acetonitrile, and DNA have been investigated to decipher the influence of the environment on the luminescent behavior of this class of molecules. The lowest triplet intra‐ligand (IL) excited state calculated at λ≈800 nm for the three complexes and localized on the dppz ligand is not very sensitive to the environment and is available for electron transfer from a guanine nucleobase. Whereas the lowest triplet metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (³MLCT) states remain localized on the ancillary ligand (tap) in [Ru(tap)₂(dppz)]²⁺, regardless of the environment, their character is drastically modified in the other complexes [Ru(phen)₂(dppz)]²⁺ and [Ru(bpy)₂(dppz)]²⁺ upon going from acetonitrile (MLCT_dppz/phen or MLCT_dppz/bpy) to water (MLCT_dppz) and DNA (MLCT_phen and MLCT_bpy). The change in the character of the low‐lying ³MLCT states accompanying nuclear relaxation in the excited state controls the emissive properties of the complexes in water, acetonitrile, and DNA. The light‐switching effect has been rationalized on the basis of environment‐induced control of the electronic density distributed in the lowest triplet excited states.     

Visible‐Light‐Driven,Tunable, Photoelectrochemical Performance of a Series of Metal‐Chelate,Dye‐Organized,Crystalline, CdS Nanoclusters

CdS nanoclusters of four different sizes were integrated with ruthenium‐complex dyes. The cluster–dye crystalline composites, [Cd₄(SPh)₁₀][Ru(bpy)₃], [Cd₈S(SPh)₁₆][Ru(bpy)₃], [Cd₈S(SPh)₁₃?Cl?(CH₃OCS₂)₂][Ru(phen)₃], [Cd₁₇S₄(SPh)₂₈][Ru(bpy)₃], and [Cd₃₂S₁₄(SPh)₄₀][Ru(phen)₃]₂ (phen=1,10‐phenanthroline and bpy=bipyridine), show intense absorption in the visible‐light region. They also exhibit size‐dependent photocurrent responses under the illumination of visible light. The photocurrent increases with increased cluster size. The dyes also have significant influence on the photocurrent generation of the composite.     

Synthesis,characterization, and DNA binding of ruthenium(II) complexes with 2-benzo[b] furan-2-yl-1H-imidazo[4,5f][1,10]phenanthroline as an intercalative ligand

DNA-binding properties of a number of ruthenium complexes with different polypyridine ligands are reported. The new polypyridine ligand BFIP (=2-benzo[b] furan-2-yl-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) and its ruthenium complexes [Ru(bpy)₂BFIP]²⁺ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine), [Ru(dmb)₂BFIP]²⁺ (dmb = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine), and [Ru(phen)₂BFIP]²⁺ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectra, IR, UV-Vis, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR, and cyclic voltammetry. The DNA binding of these complexes to calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was investigated by spectrophotometric, fluorescence, and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that ruthenium(II) complexes bind to CT-DNA through intercalation. Photocleavage of pBR 322 DNA by these complexes was also studied, and [Ru(phen)₂BFIP]²⁺ was found to be a much better photocleavage agent than the other two complexes.     

1H NMR assignment corrections and 1H, 13C, 15N NMR coordination shifts structural correlations in Fe(II), Ru(II) and Os(II) cationic complexes with 2,2′‐bipyridine and 1,10‐phenanthroline

¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N NMR studies of iron(II), ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) tris‐chelated cationic complexes with 2,2′‐bipyridine and 1,10‐phenanthroline of the general formula [M(LL)₃]²⁺ (M = Fe, Ru, Os; LL = bpy, phen) were performed. Inconsistent literature ¹H signal assignments were corrected. Significant shielding of nitrogen‐adjacent protons [H(6) in bpy, H(2) in phen] and metal‐bonded nitrogens was observed, being enhanced in the series Ru(II) → Os(II) → Fe(II) for ¹H, Fe(II) → Ru(II) → Os(II) for ¹⁵N and bpy → phen for both nuclei. The carbons are deshielded, the effect increasing in the order Ru(II) → Os(II) → Fe(II). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Metal‐catalyzed reversible conversion between chemical and electrical energy designed towards a sustainable society

Proton dissociation of an aqua‐Ru‐quinone complex, [Ru(trpy)(q)(OH₂)]²⁺ (trpy = 2,2′ : 6′,2″‐terpyridine, q = 3,5‐di‐t‐butylquinone) proceeded in two steps (pK_a = 5.5 and ca. 10.5). The first step simply produced [Ru(trpy)(q)(OH)]⁺, while the second one gave an unusual oxyl radical complex, [Ru(trpy)(sq)(O^?.)]⁰ (sq = 3,5‐di‐t‐butylsemiquinone), owing to an intramolecular electron transfer from the resultant O^2? to q. A dinuclear Ru complex bridged by an anthracene framework, [Ru₂(btpyan)(q)₂(OH)₂]²⁺ (btpyan = 1,8‐bis(2,2′‐terpyridyl)anthracene), was prepared to place two Ru(trpy)(q)(OH) groups at a close distance. Deprotonation of the two hydroxy protons of [Ru₂(btpyan)(q)₂(OH)₂]²⁺ generated two oxyl radical Ru‐O^?. groups, which worked as a precursor for O₂ evolution in the oxidation of water. The [Ru₂(btpyan)(q)₂(OH)₂](SbF₆)₂ modified ITO electrode effectively catalyzed four‐electron oxidation of water to evolve O₂ (TON = 33500) under electrolysis at +1.70 V in H₂O (pH 4.0). Various physical measurements and DFT calculations indicated that a radical coupling between two Ru(sq)(O^?.) groups forms a (cat)Ru‐O‐O‐Ru(sq) (cat = 3,5‐di‐t‐butylcathechol) framework with a μ‐superoxo bond. Successive removal of four electrons from the cat, sq, and superoxo groups of [Ru₂(btpyan)(cat)(sq)(μ‐O₂^?)]⁰ assisted with an attack of two water (or OH^?) to Ru centers, which causes smooth O₂ evolution with regeneration of [Ru₂(btpyan)(q)₂(OH)₂]²⁺. Deprotonation of an Ru‐quinone‐ammonia complex also gave the corresponding Ru‐semiquinone‐aminyl radical. The oxidized form of the latter showed a high catalytic activity towards the oxidation of methanol in the presence of base. Three complexes, [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)₂]²⁺, [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)(C(O)OH)]⁺, and [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)(CO₂)]⁰ exist as an equilibrium mixture in water. Treatment of [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)₂]²⁺ with BH₄^? gave [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)(C(O)H)]⁺, [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)(CH₂OH)]⁺, and [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)(OH₂)]²⁺ with generation of CH₃OH in aqueous conditions. Based on these results, a reasonable catalytic pathway from CO₂ to CH₃OH in electro‐ and photochemical CO₂ reduction is proposed. A new pbn (pbn = 2‐pyridylbenzo[b]‐1,5‐naphthyridine) ligand was designed as a renewable hydride donor for the six‐electron reduction of CO₂. A series of [Ru(bpy)_3‐n(pbn)_n]²⁺ (n = 1, 2, 3) complexes undergoes photochemical two‐ (n = 1), four‐ (n = 2), and six‐electron reductions (n = 3) under irradiation of visible light in the presence of N(CH₂CH₂OH)₃. © 2009 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 9: 169–186; 2009: Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ) DOI 10.1002/tcr.200800039     

Breathing Effect in a Cobalt Phosphonate upon Dehydration/Rehydration: A Single‐Crystal‐to‐Single‐Crystal Study

Two cobalt phosphonates, [Co₂(2,2′‐bpy)₂(H₂O)(pbtcH)] ( 1 ) and [Co₂(H₂O)(pbtcH)(phen)₂] ( 2 ; pbtcH₅=5‐phosphonatophenyl‐1,2,4‐tricarboxylic acid, 2,2′‐bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, phen=1,10‐phenanthroline), with layer structures are reported. Compound 1 contains O‐C‐O and O‐P‐O bridged tetramers of Co₄, which are further connected by pbtcH^4? units to form a layer. In compound 2 , the cobalt tetramers made up of water‐bridged Co₂ dimers and O‐P‐O linkages are connected into a layer by pbtcH^4? units. Upon dehydration, compounds 1 and 2 experience single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SC–SC) structural transformations to form [Co₂(2,2′‐bpy)₂(pbtcH)] ( 1 a ) and [Co₂(pbtcH)(phen)₂] ( 2 a ), respectively. The process is reversible in each case. Notably, a breathing effect is observed for 1 , accompanied by pore opening and closing due to the reorientation of the coordinated 2,2′‐bpy molecules. The transformation was also monitored by in situ IR measurements. Magnetic studies reveal that antiferromagnetic interactions are mediated between the magnetic centers in compounds 1 and 1 a , whereas ferromagnetic interactions are dominant in compound 2 .     

2,3‐Di(2‐pyridyl)‐5‐phenylpyrazine: A NN‐CNN‐Type Bridging Ligand for Dinuclear Transition‐Metal Complexes

A new bridging ligand, 2,3‐di(2‐pyridyl)‐5‐phenylpyrazine (dpppzH), has been synthesized. This ligand was designed so that it could bind two metals through a NN‐CNN‐type coordination mode. The reaction of dpppzH with cis‐[(bpy)₂RuCl₂] (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) affords monoruthenium complex [(bpy)₂Ru(dpppzH)]²⁺ ( 12+ ) in 64 % yield, in which dpppzH behaves as a NN bidentate ligand. The asymmetric biruthenium complex [(bpy)₂Ru(dpppz)Ru(Mebip)]³⁺ ( 23+ ) was prepared from complex 12+ and [(Mebip)RuCl₃] (Mebip=bis(N‐methylbenzimidazolyl)pyridine), in which one hydrogen atom on the phenyl ring of dpppzH is lost and the bridging ligand binds to the second ruthenium atom in a CNN tridentate fashion. In addition, the RuPt heterobimetallic complex [(bpy)₂Ru(dpppz)Pt(C?CPh)]²⁺ ( 42+ ) has been prepared from complex 12+ , in which the bridging ligand binds to the platinum atom through a CNN binding mode. The electronic properties of these complexes have been probed by using electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques and studied by theoretical calculations. Complex 12+ is emissive at room temperature, with an emission λ_max=695 nm. No emission was detected for complex 23+ at room temperature in MeCN, whereas complex 42+ displayed an emission at about 750 nm. The emission properties of these complexes are compared to those of previously reported Ru and RuPt bimetallic complexes with a related ligand, 2,3‐di(2‐pyridyl)‐5,6‐diphenylpyrazine.