3,6-bis(2'-pyridyl)pyridazine (L) and its deprotonated form (L - H+)- as ligands for {(acac)2Ru(n+)} or {(bpy)2Ru(m+)}: investigation of mixed valency in [{(acac)2Ru}2(mu-L - H+)]0 and [{(bpy)2Ru}2(mu-L - H+)]4+ by spectroelectrochemistry and EPR

Crystallographically characterised 3,6-bis(2'-pyridyl)pyridazine (L) forms complexes with {(acac)2Ru} or {(bpy)2Ru2+}via one pyridyl-N/pyridazyl-N chelate site in mononuclear Ru(II) complexes (acac)2Ru(L), 1, and [(bpy)2Ru(L)](ClO4)2, [3](ClO4)2. Coordination of a second metal complex fragment is accompanied by deprotonation at the pyridazyl-C5 carbon {L --> (L - H+)-} to yield cyclometallated, asymmetrically bridged dinuclear complexes [(acac)2Ru(III)(mu-L - H+)Ru(III)(acac)2](ClO4), [2](ClO4), and [(bpy)2Ru(II)(mu-L - H+)Ru(II)(bpy)2](ClO4)3, [4](ClO4)3. The different electronic characteristics of the co-ligands, sigma donating acac- and pi accepting bpy, cause a wide variation in metal redox potentials which facilitates the isolation of the diruthenium(III) form in [2](ClO4) with antiferromagnetically coupled Ru(III) centres (J = -11.5 cm(-1)) and of a luminescent diruthenium(II) species in [4](ClO4)3. The electrogenerated mixed-valent Ru(II)Ru(III) states 2 and [4]4+ with comproportionation constants Kc > 10(8) are assumed to be localised with the Ru(III) ion bonded via the negatively charged pyridyl-N/pyridazyl-C5 chelate site of the bridging (L - H+)- ligand. In spectroelectrochemical experiments they show similar intervalence charge transfer bands of moderate intensity around 1300 nm and comparable g anisotropies (g1-g3 approximatly 0.5) in the EPR spectra. However, the individual g tensor components are distinctly higher for the pi acceptor ligated system [4]4+, signifying stabilised metal d orbitals.     

Solid-state light-emitting devices based on the tris-chelated ruthenium(II) complex. 4. High-efficiency light-emitting devices based on derivatives of the tris(2,2'-bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) complex

Light-emitting devices from the tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) complex [Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)] and new derivatives thereof were prepared. Due to the electrochemical nature of the device operation, single-layer devices in an ITO/ Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) complex + PMMA/Ag sandwich configuration achieved very high external quantum efficiencies. The derivatives of the Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) complex were designed and synthesized to inhibit self-quenching of the excited state by adding different alkyl substituents on the bipyridyl ligands. As a result, devices that contain these new Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) complexes show a higher photoluminescence and electroluminescence efficiency than devices made from the unmodified Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) complex. External quantum efficiencies up to 5.5% at brightnesses in the range of 10-50 cd/m(2) are reported. In addition, the response time of such devices (which is a result of the electrochemical operation) has been shortened dramatically. An "instantaneous" light emission is achieved for devices that employ smaller counterions such as BF(4)(-) to increase the ionic conductivity. Such a device shows a response time of less than 1 s to emit 10-20 cd/m(2) after the operating voltage of 2.4 V has been applied.     

Fabrication and Photoelectrochemical Properties of [Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+ on ITO Electrode Associated with the Oxidation of Guanine

<正>Electrochemical assembly of[Ru(bpy)_2dppz]~(2+){bpy=2,2'-bipyridine,dppz=dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine} on an ITO electrode in the presence of guanine and photoelectrochemical properties of the assembled layer were investigated.It has been found that[Ru(bpy)_2dppz]~(3+/2+) can be assembled onto the ITO electrode by the method of repetitive voltammetric sweeping,and the assembly is enhanced by guanine.The peak currents of prewaves increase linearly up to a guanine concentration of 0.25 mmol/L.More importantly,upon illumination with 470 nm light source and at an applied potential of 0.2 V,cathodic current for the fabricated layer on the ITO electrode indicate a linear enhancement with the rise of guanine concentration.Meanwhile,[Ru(bpy)_2dppz]~(2+) can be served as an excellent mediator to prompt the oxidation of guanine,and the mediated peak current increases linearly with added guanine concentration from 0.01 to 0.25 mmol/L.In addition,the assembly mechanism of[Ru(bpy)_2dppz]~(2+) on the ITO electrode associated with the oxidation of guanine and the assistance of light irradiation were discussed.     

The synthesis and structure of heteroleptic tris(diimine)ruthenium(II) complexes

The reactions of bidentate diimine ligands (L2) with cationic bis(diimine)[Ru(L)(L1)(CO)Cl]+ complexes (L, L1, L2 are dissimilar diimine ligands), in the presence of trimethylamine-N-oxide (Me3NO) as a decarbonylation reagent, lead to the formation of heteroleptic tris(diimine) ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(L)(L1)(L2)]2+. Typically isolated as hexafluorophosphate or perchlorate salts, these complexes were characterised by UV-visible, infrared and mass spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, microanalyses and NMR spectroscopy. Single crystal X-ray studies have elucidated the structures of K[Ru(bpy)(phen)(4,4'-Me(2)bpy)](PF(6))(3).1/2H(2)O, [Ru(bpy)(5,6-Me(2)phen)(Hdpa)](ClO(4))(2), [Ru(bpy)(phen)(5,6-Me(2)phen)](ClO(4))(2), [Ru(bpy)(5,6'-Me(2)phen)(4,4'-Me(2)bpy)](PF(6))(2).EtOH, [Ru(4,4'-Me(2)bpy)(phen)(Hdpa)](PF(6))(2).MeOH and [Ru(bpy)(4,4'-Me(2)bpy)(Hdpa)](ClO(4))(2).1/2Hdpa (where Hdpa is di(2-pyridyl)amine). A novel feature of the first complex is the presence of a dinuclear anionic adduct, [K(2)(PF(6))(6)](4-), in which the two potassium centres are bridged by two fluorides from different hexafluorophosphate ions forming a K(2)F(2) bridging unit and by two KFPFK bridging moieties.     

Gold nanoparticle-modified ITO electrode for electrogenerated chemiluminescence: well-preserved transparency and highly enhanced activity

Although it is desirable to use transparent indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrates as working electrodes for electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL), their applications in ECL studies of the Ru(bpy)32+ (bpy, 2,2'-bipyridine)/tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) system have been limited because of the large overpotential of TPrA oxidation and the instability of the ITO surface at high anodic potentials. Here, we describe a simple method to achieve high ECL activity using ITO electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles (GNPs). The GNPs have been capped with fluorosurfactant ligands (i.e., Zonyl FSO). Much more facile TPrA oxidation was achieved by using the modified electrode, and an intense low-oxidation-potential (LOP) ECL signal was observed at approximately 0.88 V versus SCE. The electrode transmittance drop upon modification was generally less than 5% over the visible spectrum when small-sized GNPs (approximately 4 nm) were employed. The well-preserved transparency and highly enhanced activity make the modified electrode promising for ECL studies.     

Synthesis, structure, photophysics, electrochemistry, and ion-binding studies of ruthenium(II) 1,10-phenanthroline complexes containing thia-, selena-, and aza-crown pendants

A series of ruthenium(II) diimine complexes containing thia-, selena- and aza-crowns derived from 1,10-phenanthroline have been synthesized and characterized, and their photophysics and electrochemistry were studied. Their interaction with metal ions was investigated by UV-vis, luminescence, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of [Ru(bpy)2(L1)](PF6)2, [Ru(bpy)2(L2)](ClO4)2, [Ru(bpy)2(L3)](ClO4)2, and [Ru(bpy)2(L4)](ClO4)2 have been determined. The luminescence properties of [Ru(bpy)2(L1)](ClO4)2 were found to be sensitive and selective toward the presence of Hg2+ ions in an acetonitrile solution. The addition of alkaline-earth metal ions, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Hg2+ ions, to the solution of [Ru(bpy)2(L6)](ClO4)2 in acetonitrile gave rise to large changes in the UV-vis and emission spectra. The binding of metal ions to [Ru(bpy)2(L6)](ClO4)2 was found to cause a strong enhancement in the emission intensities of the complex, with high specificity toward Hg2+ ions.     

Electroactive planar waveguide studies of Ru(bpy)3(2+) intercalated in a thin clay film: I. Transport and electrochemical phenomena

Electroactive planar waveguide (EAPW) instrumentation was used to perform potential modulated absorbance (PMA) experiments at indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes coated with 0-, 300-, 800-, and 1200-nm-thick SWy-1 montmorillonite clay. PMA experiments performed at low potential modulation monitor mass transport events within 100 nm of the ITO surface and, thus, when used in conjunction with cyclic voltammetry (CV), can elucidate charge transport mechanisms. The data show that at very thin films electron transfer is controlled by electron hopping (sensitive to the anion species in the electrolyte) in an adsorbed Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) layer. As the thickness of the clay film grows, electron transfer may become controlled by mass transfer of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) within the clay film to and from the electrode surface, a mechanism that is affected by the swelling of the film. Film swelling is controlled by the cation of the electrolyte. Films loaded with Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) while being subjected to evanescent wave stimulation demonstrate a large hydrophobic layer. The growth of the hydrophobic layer is attributed to the formation of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+*), which has negative charge located at the periphery of the molecule enhancing clay/complex repulsion. The results suggest that the structure of the film and the mechanism of charge transport can be rationally controlled. Simultaneous measurements of the ingress of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) into the clay film by CV and PMA provide a means to determine the diffusion coefficient of the complex.     

Controlling metal-ligand-metal oxidation state combinations by ancillary ligand (L) variation in the redox systems [L2Ru(mu-boptz)RuL2]n, boptz = 3,6-bis(2-oxidophenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine, and L = acetylacetonate, 2,2'-bipyridine, or 2-phenylazopyridine

The new compounds [(acac)2Ru(mu-boptz)Ru(acac)2] (1), [(bpy)2Ru(mu-boptz)Ru(bpy)2](ClO4)2 (2-(ClO4)2), and [(pap)2Ru(mu-boptz)Ru(pap)2](ClO4)2 (3-(ClO4)2) were obtained from 3,6-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (H2boptz), the crystal structure analysis of which is reported. Compound 1 contains two antiferromagnetically coupled (J = -36.7 cm(-1)) Ru(III) centers. We have investigated the role of both the donor and acceptor functions containing the boptz2- bridging ligand in combination with the electronically different ancillary ligands (donating acac-, moderately pi-accepting bpy, and strongly pi-accepting pap; acac = acetylacetonate, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine pap = 2-phenylazopyridine) by using cyclic voltammetry, spectroelectrochemistry and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy for several in situ accessible redox states. We found that metal-ligand-metal oxidation state combinations remain invariant to ancillary ligand change in some instances; however, three isoelectronic paramagnetic cores Ru(mu-boptz)Ru showed remarkable differences. The excellent tolerance of the bpy co-ligand for both Ru(III) and Ru(II) is demonstrated by the adoption of the mixed-valent form in [L2Ru(mu-boptz)RuL2]3+, L = bpy, whereas the corresponding system with pap stabilizes the Ru(II) states to yield a phenoxyl radical ligand and the compound with L = acac- contains two Ru(III) centers connected by a tetrazine radical-anion bridge.     

Analysis of charge transfer distance between Ru(bpy)32+ complexes incorporated into a nafion film as studied by spectrocyclic voltammogram

An ITO electrode was coated by a Nafion film incorporating Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ complex as redox centers either by mixture casting method, adsorption method, or swelling method and the electrochemical reactivity of the modified electrode was determined by the in-situ spectrocyclic voltammogram (SCV) in a sodium perchlorate aqueous solution at pH 1.2. A modified Poisson statistics equation was used to estimate the charge transfer distance (Ro) between the Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ complexes. The estimated charge transfer distances for the electrodes prepared by swelling method (Ro = 1.63 nm for the electrode modified in M/W 1:10, and 1.69 nm in M/W 1:2) and adsorption method (Ro = 1.61 nm) were longer than that for mixture casting method (Ro = 1.5 nm). Based on the different procedure of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ complex incorporation in the Nafion film, the reasons that affect the apparent charge transfer distance were discussed.     

DNA biosensor based on the electrochemiluminescence of Ru(bpy)3(2+) with DNA-binding intercalators

This paper reports a novel detection method for DNA hybridization based on the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) with a DNA-binding intercalator as a reductant of Ru(bpy)(3)(3+). Some ECL-inducible intercalators have been screened in this study using electrochemical methods combined with a chemiluminescent technique. The double-stranded DNA intercalated by doxorubicin, daunorubicin, or 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) shows a good ECL with Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) at +1.19 V (versus Ag/AgCl), while the non-intercalated single-stranded DNA does not. In order to stabilize the self-assembled DNA molecules during ECL reaction, we constructed the ECL DNA biosensor separating the ECL working electrode with an immobilized DNA probe. A gold electrode array on a plastic plate was assembled with a thru-hole array where oligonucleotide probes were immobilized in the side wall of thru-hole array. The fabricated ECL DNA biosensor was used to detect several pathogens using ECL technique. A good specificity of single point mutations for hepatitis disease was obtained by using the DAPI-intercalated Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) ECL.     

Can clay emit light? Ru(bpy)3-modified clay colloids and their application in the detection of glucose

In this paper, we describe the electrochemiluminescent (ECL) behavior of Ru(bpy)₃³⁺-incorporated clay colloids. Experimental results based on the electrochemical-quartz-crystal-microbalance (EQCM) techniques showed that Ru(bpy)₃³⁺ could be adsorbed by the clay colloids (montmorillonite K10, denoted K10). The resulting clay particles could emit light (λ_em 610 nm) when they were fabricated as thin films sandwiched by two conductive ITO electrodes with opposite biases. These Ru(bpy)₃³⁺-incorporated clay-modified electrodes could also emit light in aqueous oxalate solutions (pH 10) when potentials more positive than 0.9 V vs. SCE were applied. EDTA was an effective promoter for the Ru(bpy)_{3 (clay)}³⁺-oxalate ECL reaction. The resulting ECL showed a remarkable sensitivity to oxygen. A glucose optrode was thus fabricated based on the Ru(bpy)₃³⁺-incorporated K10 colloids and glucose oxidase (GOx). The ECL signals behaved as a function of [glucose], covering a range from 0.1 to 10 mM at pH 10. The detection limits reached a level of 0.1 mM at this pH.     

Probing the electronic structures of coordination compounds by transient spectral hole-burning. Applications to specifically deuterated [Ru(bpy)3]2+ complexes

Transient spectral hole-burning (THB), a powerful technique for probing the electronic structures of coordination compounds, is applied to the lowest excited 3MLCT states of specifically deuterated [Ru(bpy)3]2+ complexes doped into crystals of racemic [Zn(bpy)3](ClO4)2. Results are consistent with and complementary to conclusions reached from excitation-line-narrowing experiments. Two sets of 3MLCT transitions are observed in conventional spectroscopy of [Ru(bpy-d(n))(3-x)(bpy-d(m))x]2+ (x = 1, 2; n = 0, 2; m = 2, 8; n not = m) complexes doped into [Zn(bpy)3](ClO4)2. The two sets coincide with the 3MLCT transitions observed for the homoleptic [Ru(bpy-d(m))3]2+ and [Ru(bpy-d(n))3]2+ complexes and can thus be assigned to localized 3MLCT transitions to the bpy-d(m) and bpy-d(n) ligands. The THB experiments presented in this paper exclude a two-site hypothesis. When spectral holes are burnt at 1.8 K into 3MLCT transitions associated with the bpy and bpy-d2 ligands in [Ru(bpy)(bpy-d8)2]2+, [Ru(bpy)2(bpy-d8)]2+, and [Ru(bpy-d2)2(bpy-d8)]2+, side holes appear in the 3MLCT transitions associated with the bpy-d8 ligands approximately 40 and approximately 30 cm(-1) higher in energy. Since energy transfer to sites 40 or 30 cm(-1) higher in energy cannot occur at 1.8 K, the experiments unequivocally establish that the two sets of 3MLCT transitions observed for [Ru(bpy-d(n))(3-x)(bpy-d(m))x]2+ (x = 1, 2) complexes in [Zn(bpy)3](ClO4)2 occur on one molecular cation.     

Novel soft chemical method for optically transparent Ru(bpy)3-K4Nb6O17 thin film

A unique guest-guest ion exchange method was developed for preparing a thin film of a nano-layered K(4)Nb(6)O(17).3H(2)O that possesses both (1) optical transparency and (2) ion-exchangeability under ambient conditions without calcination at high temperature. An optically transparent Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)-K(4)Nb(6)O(17) hybrid thin film, a photoresponsive electrode, was successfully prepared by the guest-guest exchange method by use of the intercalation compound MV(2+)-K(4)Nb(6)O(17) as a precursor. The optically transparent Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)-K(4)Nb(6)O(17) hybrid thin films have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, SEM, AFM, IR, and UV spectroscopies, as well as elemental analysis. The electrochemical behavior of the ITO/Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)-K(4)Nb(6)O(17) hybrid thin film electrode was studied; it also exhibits swift photoresponse in the visible region.     

Synthesis, characterization, and photophysical properties of Os(II) diimine complexes [Os(N(wedge)N)(CO)(2)I(2)] (N(wedge)N = bipyridine, phenanthroline, and pyridyl benzoxazole)

A new series of Os(II) diimine complexes with the general formula [Os(N(wedge)N)(CO)(2)I(2)], N(wedge)N = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) (1), 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine (dbubpy) (2), 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dpphen) (3), 2-(2'-pyridyl)benzoxazole (pboz) (4), and 5-tert-butyl-2-(2'-pyridyl)benzoxazole (bupboz) (5), were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods and by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study on the dpphen complex 3. The corresponding photophysical properties were studied using UV-vis and emission spectrometry. The resulting phosphorescence features both in solution and as a solid film, in combination with the MO calculation, lead us to conclude that the emissions originate from mixed halide-to-ligand (XLCT approximately 70%) and metal-to-ligand (MLCT approximately 30%) transitions instead of the typical MLCT transition. Using complexes 4 and 5 as the dopant emitters, we evaluated their potential to serve as a phosphor for organic light emitting diodes by examining their electroluminescent performances. Reddish orange electroluminescence centered around 600 nm was observed for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) fabricated using complex 5 as the emitter; the device efficiency was shown to be as high as 2.8% (and 5.0 cd/A or 2.7 lm/W), and the peak luminance was shown to be 5600 cd/m(2) at a driving voltage of approximately 15 V.     

Linear and star-shaped polynuclear Ru(II) complexes of 2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl derivatives: syntheses, photophysical properties and red light-emitting devices

Two new star-shaped ligands with a 1,3,5-triphenylbenzene core, tmpb (1,3,5-tris[p-2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolylphenyl]benzene), and a 2,4,6-tris(p-biphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine core, tmbt (2,4,6-tris[p-2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolylbiphenyl]-1,3,5-triazine), have been synthesized. Their corresponding trinuclear Ru(II) complexes [Ru3(tmpb)(bpy)6](PF6)6 (3) and [Ru3(tmpt)(bpy)6](PF6)6 (4) have been obtained. Two dinuclear linear Ru(II) complexes with previously reported ligands bmb (1,4-bis[2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl]benzene) and bmbp (4,4'-bis[2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl]biphenyl) and formulae [Ru2(bmb)(bpy)4](PF6)4 (1) and [Ru2(bmbp)(bpy)4](PF6)4 (2) have also been synthesized. Photophysical and electrochemical properties of the new compounds have been investigated. All four compounds display a characteristic metal-to-ligand-charge transfer (MLCT) absorption band and emit a red light when excited at the maximum of the MLCT band with emission maximum at 624, 629, 623 and 625 nm, respectively in neat films at ambient temperature. The emission quantum efficiency of the four complexes in neat films was determined to be 0.15, 0.17, 0.04 and 0.05, respectively. Light emitting devices based on these four compounds were fabricated by spin-casting the compound as a neat film to an ITO substrate, followed by the deposition of an aluminium metal layer. All devices emit a deep red light and the device behavior resembles that of a light emitting electrochemical cell. The EL maximum of the devices 1, 2, 3, and 4 is at 637, 657, 678, and 655 nm, respectively. All four devices have a fast response time when a sufficiently high voltage is applied. The device based on 2 is the brightest with a maximum luminance of 133 cd m(-2) at 7 V. The performance of devices based on 1, 2, and 4 is in general much more efficient than the device based on [Ru(bpy)3](PF6)2, which was fabricated and evaluated under the same experimental conditions as for the devices based on 1-4.     

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.     

Spontaneous formation and electrogenerated chemiluminescence of tris(bipyridine) Ru(II) derivative nanobelts

The single crystalline nanobelts were successfully fabricated with an ionic compound by a simple reprecipitation method. The compound used is the water-insoluble derivative of tris(bipyridine) Ru(II), [Ru(bpy)2(4,4'-(CH3(CH2)14COO)2-bpy)](ClO4)2. The prepared nanobelts show an enhanced fluorescence emission and relatively strong electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL), that have potential analytical applications. More interesting, ECL of a single nanobelt deposited on an ultramicroelectrode was observed. The observation of ECL in such nanostructures leads to the development of a new class of ECL systems that may prove useful for a variety of purposes.     

Diruthenium complexes [((acac)2RuIII)2(mu-OC2H5)2], [((acac)(2RuIII)2(mu-L)](ClO4)2, and [((bpy)(2RuII)2(mu-L)](ClO4)4 [L = (NC5H4)2-N-C6H4-N-(NC5H4)2, acac = acetylacetonate, and bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine]. synthesis, structure, magnetic, spectral, and photophysical aspects

Paramagnetic diruthenium(III) complexes (acac)(2)Ru(III)(mu-OC(2)H(5))(2)Ru(III)(acac)(2) (6) and [(acac)(2)Ru(III)(mu-L)Ru(III)(acac)(2)](ClO(4))(2), [7](ClO(4))(2), were obtained via the reaction of binucleating bridging ligand, N,N,N',N'-tetra(2-pyridyl)-1,4-phenylenediamine [(NC(5)H(4))(2)-N-C(6)H(4)-N-(NC(5)H(4))(2), L] with the monomeric metal precursor unit (acac)(2)Ru(II)(CH(3)CN)(2) in ethanol under aerobic conditions. However, the reaction of L with the metal fragment Ru(II)(bpy)(2)(EtOH)(2)(2+) resulted in the corresponding [(bpy)(2)Ru(II) (mu-L) Ru(II)(bpy)(2)](ClO(4))(4), [8](ClO(4))(4). Crystal structures of L and 6 show that, in each case, the asymmetric unit consists of two independent half-molecules. The Ru-Ru distances in the two crystallographically independent molecules (F and G) of 6 are found to be 2.6448(8) and 2.6515(8) A, respectively. Variable-temperature magnetic studies suggest that the ruthenium(III) centers in 6 and [7](ClO(4))(2) are very weakly antiferromagnetically coupled, having J = -0.45 and -0.63 cm(-)(1), respectively. The g value calculated for 6 by using the van Vleck equation turned out to be only 1.11, whereas for [7](ClO(4))(2), the g value is 2.4, as expected for paramagnetic Ru(III) complexes. The paramagnetic complexes 6 and [7](2+) exhibit rhombic EPR spectra at 77 K in CHCl(3) (g(1) = 2.420, g(2) = 2.192, g(3) = 1.710 for 6 and g(1) = 2.385, g(2) = 2.177, g(3) = 1.753 for [7](2+)). This indicates that 6 must have an intermolecular magnetic interaction, in fact, an antiferromagnetic interaction, along at least one of the crystal axes. This conclusion was supported by ZINDO/1-level calculations. The complexes 6, [7](2+), and [8](4+) display closely spaced Ru(III)/Ru(II) couples with 70, 110, and 80 mV separations in potentials between the successive couples, respectively, implying weak intermetallic electrochemical coupling in their mixed-valent states. The electrochemical stability of the Ru(II) state follows the order: [7](2+) < 6 < [8](4+). The bipyridine derivative [8](4+) exhibits a strong luminescence [quantum yield (phi) = 0.18] at 600 nm in EtOH/MeOH (4:1) glass (at 77 K), with an estimated excited-state lifetime of approximately 10 micros.     

9-Oxidophenalenone: a noninnocent β-diketonate ligand?

The redox systems [Ru(L)(bpy)(2)](k), [Ru(L)(2)(bpy)](m), and [Ru(L)(3)](n) containing the potentially redox-active ligand 9-oxidophenalenone = L(-) were investigated by spectroelectrochemistry (UV-vis-near-IR and electron paramagnetic resonance) in conjunction with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Compounds [Ru(L(-))(bpy)(2)]ClO(4) ([1]ClO(4)) and [Ru(L(-))(2)(bpy)]ClO(4) ([2]ClO(4)) were structurally characterized. In addition to establishing electron-transfer processes involving the Ru(II)/Ru(III)/Ru(IV) and bpy(0)/bpy(?-) couples, evidence for the noninnocent behavior of L(-) was obtained from [Ru(IV)(L(?))(L(-))(bpy)](3+), which exhibits strong near-IR absorption due to ligand-to-ligand charge transfer. In contrast, the lability of the electrogenerated anion [Ru(L)(2)(bpy)](-) is attributed to a resonance situation [Ru(II)(L(?2-))(L(-))(bpy)](-)/[Ru(II)(L(-))(2) (bpy(?-))](-), as suggested by DFT calculations.     

Solid-state electrochemiluminescence sensor based on the Nafion/poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) composite film

An effective electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor based on Nafion/poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS) composite film-modified ITO electrode was developed. The Nafion/PSS/Ru composite film was characterized by atomic force microscopy, UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy and electrochemical experiments. The Nafion/PSS composite film could effectively immobilize tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)₃²⁺) via ion-exchange and electrostatic interaction. The ECL behavior of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ immobilized in Nafion/PSS composite film was investigated using tripropylamine (TPA) as an analyte. The detection limit (S/N = 3) for TPA at the Nafion/PSS/Ru composite-modified electrode was estimated to be 3.0 nM, which is 3 orders of magnitude lower than that obtained at the Nafion/Ru modified electrode. The Nafion/PSS/Ru composite film-modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode also exhibited good ECL stability. In addition, this kind of immobilization approach was simple, effective, and timesaving.