A strategy for improving the room-temperature luminescence properties of Ru(II) complexes with tridentate ligands

Several ruthenium(II) complexes with new tridentate polypyridine ligands have been prepared, and their photophysical properties have been studied. The new tridentate ligands are tpy-modified systems (tpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine) in which aromatic substituents designed to be coplanar with the tpy moiety are introduced, with the aim of enhancing delocalization in the acceptor ligand of the potentially luminescent metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) state and increasing the MLCT-MC energy gap (MC = metal-centered excited state). Indeed, the Ru(II) complexes obtained with this new family of tridentate ligands exhibit long-lived luminescence at room temperature (up to 200 ns). The enhanced luminescence properties of these complexes support this design strategy and are superior to those of the model Ru(tpy)22+ compound and compare favorably with those of the best Ru(II) complexes with tridentate ligands reported so far.     

cis-[Ru(2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine)(DMSO)Cl(2)]: useful precursor for the synthesis of heteroleptic terpyridine complexes under mild conditions

[Ru(II)(terpy)(DMSO)Cl(2)] complexes were synthesized as a 5/1 mixture of cis and trans isomers, and their reactivities with CO and with substituted 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine (terpy) moieties have been investigated. The structure of a trans isomer and its CO adduct have been unambiguously assigned by spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The [Ru(terpy)(terpy-Br)](2+) complex prepared either from the cis-[Ru(II)(terpy)(DMSO)Cl(2)] or from the cis-[Ru(II)(terpy-Br)(DMSO)Cl(2)] precursor appeared to be reactive in cross-coupling reactions promoted by low-valent palladium(0) and is an attractive target for the stepwise synthesis of polynuclear complexes bearing vacant coordination sites (terpy-Br for 4'-bromo-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine). Several bipyridine, phenanthroline, and bipyrimidine complexes were prepared this way and their optical and redox properties determined and discussed.     

Synthesis and properties of the elusive ruthenium(II) complexes of 4'-cyano-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine

The heteroleptic and homoleptic ruthenium(II) complexes of 4'-cyano-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine are synthesized by palladium catalyzed cyanation of the corresponding Ru(II) complexes of 4'-chloro-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine. The introduction of the strongly electron-withdrawing cyano group into the Ru(tpy)(2)(2+) moiety dramatically changes its photophysical and redox properties as well as prolongs its room temperature excited-state lifetime.     

Synthesis, structure, redox properties, and catalytic activity of new ruthenium complexes containing neutral or anionic and facial or meridional ligands: an evaluation of electronic and geometrical effects

The synthesis of a family of new Ru complexes containing meridional or facial tridentate ligands with the general formula [Ru(II)(T)(D)(X)](n+) [T = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine or tripyrazolylmethane; D = 4,4'-dibenzyl-4,4',5,5'-tetrahydro-2,2'-bioxazole (S,S-box-C) or 2-[((1'S)-1'-(hydroxymethyl)-2'-phenyl)ethylcarboxamide]-(4S)-4-benzyl-4,5-dihydrooxazole (S,S-box-O); X = Cl, H(2)O, MeCN or pyridine] has been described. All complexes have been spectroscopically characterized in solution through (1)H NMR and UV-vis techniques. Furthermore, all of the chloro complexes presented here have also been characterized in the solid state through monocrystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The oxazolinic S,S-box-C ligands undergo a Ru-assisted hydrolysis reaction generating the corresponding amidate anionic oxazolinic ligands S,S-box-O, which are also strongly attached to the metal center and produce a strong sigma-donation effect over the Ru metal center. The redox properties of all complexes have also been studied by means of cyclic voltammetry, strongly reflecting the nature of the ligands; both effects, geometrical (facial vs meridional) and electronic (neutral vs anionic), can be unveiled and rationalized. Finally, the reactivity of the Ru-OH(2) complexes has been tested with regard to the epoxidation of trans-stilbene, and it has been shown that, in this particular case, the reactivity is practically not dependent on the redox potentials of the catalyst but, in sharp contrast, it is strongly dependent on the geometry of the tridentate ligands.     

Near-infrared absorbing and emitting Ru(II)-Pt(II) heterodimetallic complexes of dpdpz (dpdpz = 2,3-di(2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenylpyrazine)

The reaction of 2,3-di(2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenylpyrazine (dpdpz) with K(2)PtCl(4) in a mixture of acetonitrile and water afforded mono-Pt complex (dpdpz)PtCl(2)4 in good yield, with two lateral pyridine nitrogen atoms binding to the metal center. Two types of Ru(II)-Pt(II) heterodimetallic complexes bridged by dpdpz, namely, [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpdpz)Pt(C≡CC(6)H(4)R)](2+) (7-9, R = H, NMe(2), or Cl, respectively) and [(tpy)Ru(dpdpz)Pt(C≡CPh)] (+) (12), were then designed and prepared, where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine and tpy = 2,2';6',2'-terpyridine. In both cases, the platinum atom binds to dpdpz with a C(∧)N(∧)N tridentate mode. However, the coordination of the ruthenium atom with dpdpz could either be noncyclometalated (N(∧)N bidentate) or cyclometalated (C(∧)N(∧)N tridentate). The electronic properties of these complexes were subsequently studied and compared by spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses and theoretical calculations. These complexes exhibit substantial absorption in the visible to NIR (near-infrared) region because of mixed MLCT (metal-to-ligand-charge-tranfer) transitions from both the ruthenium and the platinum centers. Complexes 7 and 9 were found to emit NIR light with higher quantum yields than those of the mono-Ru complex [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpdpz)](2+) (5) and bis-Ru complex [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpdpz)Ru(bpy)(2)](4+) (13). However, no emission was detected from complex 8 or 12 at room temperature in acetonitrile.     

Marked differences in light-switch behavior of Ru(II) complexes possessing a tridentate DNA intercalating ligand

The tridentate ligand 3-(pyrid-2'-yl)dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (pydppz) has been prepared in two steps by elaboration of 2-(pyrid-2'-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline. Both homoleptic [Ru(pydppz)(2)](2+) and heteroleptic [Ru(tpy)(pydppz)](2+) (tpy = 2,2';6',2' '-terpyridine) complexes have been prepared and characterized by (1)H NMR. The absorption and emission spectra are consistent with low-lying MLCT excited states, which are typical of Ru(II) complexes. Femtosecond transient absorption measurements show that that the (3)MLCT excited state of the heteroleptic complex [Ru(tpy)(pydppz)](2+) (tau approximately 5 ns) is longer-lived than that of the homoleptic complex [Ru(pydppz)(2)](2+) (tau = 2.4 ns) and that these lifetimes are significantly longer than that of the (3)MLCT state of the parent complex [Ru(tpy)(2)](2+) (tau = 120 ps). These differences are explained by the lower-energy (3)MLCT excited state present in [Ru(tpy)(pydppz)](2+) and [Ru(pydppz)(2)](2+) compared to [Ru(tpy)(2)](2+), resulting in less deactivation of the former through the ligand-field state(s). DFT and TDDFT calculations are consistent with this explanation. [Ru(tpy)(pydppz)](2+) and [Ru(pydppz)(2)](2+) bind to DNA through the intercalation of the pydppz ligand; however, only the heteroleptic complex exhibits luminescence enhancement in the presence of DNA. The difference in the photophysical behavior of the complexes is explained by the inability of [Ru(pydppz)(2)](2+) to intercalate both pydppz ligands, such that one pydppz always remains exposed to the solvent. DNA photocleavage is observed for [Ru(tpy)(pydppz)](2+) in air, but not for [Ru(pydppz)(2)](2+). The DNA damage likely proceeds through the production of small amounts of (1)O(2) by the longer-lived complex. Although both complexes possess the intercalating pydppz ligand, they exhibit different photophysical properties in the presence of DNA.     

Electrochemical and luminescent properties of new mononuclear ruthenium(II) and binuclear iridium(III)-ruthenium(II) terpyridine complexes.

Hexafluorophosphate salts of mononuclear complexes [Ru(II)Cl(L)(terpy)]+ (L = dmbpy (1); dpbpy (2), sambpy (3), and dpp (7), and binuclear complexes [Ru(II)2Cl2(dpp)(terpy)2]2+ (8) and [Ir(III)Ru(II)Cl2(dpp)(terpy)2]3+ (9) were prepared and characterized. Abbreviations of the ligands are bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, dmbpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, dpbpy = 4,4'-diphenyl-2,2'-bipyridine, dpp = 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine, sambpy = 4,4'-bis((S)-(+)-alpha-1-phenylethylamido)-2,2'-bipyridine, and terpy = 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine. The absorption spectra of 8 and 9 are dominated by ligand-centered bands in the UV region and by metal-to-ligand charge-transfer bands in the visible region. The details of their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties were investigated. In both binuclear complexes, it has been found that the HOMO is based on the Ru metal, and LUMO is dpp-based. [Ir(III)Ru(II)Cl2(dpp)(terpy)2]3+, indicating intense emission at room temperature, and a lifetime of 154 ns. The long lifetime of this bimetallic chromophore makes it a useful component in the design of supramolecular complexes.     

Excited state properties of mixed phosphine 2-(2'-pyridyl)quinoline complexes of ruthenium(II)

Mixed ligand complexes of the type Ru(pq)(2)(PP)(2+) (pq = 2,2'-pyridylquinoline and PP = one bidentate or two monodentate phosphine ligands) have been prepared from the appropriate phosphine and Ru(pq)(2)Cl(2). The room temperature absorption spectra and low temperature (77 K) emission spectra, emission lifetimes, and quantum yields have been measured for the series of complexes and compared with those of Ru(pq)(3)(2+) and analogous Ru(bpy)(2)(PP)(2+) complexes (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) where possible. Emission spectra have been fit using a single mode Franck-Condon analysis. The visible absorption bands and emission bands are assigned to MLCT transitions that are blue shifted relative to Ru(pq)(3)(2+), while the emission lifetimes and quantum yields are increased. The trends in the nonradiative rate constants, k(nr), are described in terms of the energy gap, E(0), and the Huang-Rhys factor, S(M), which were obtained from the spectral fittings, and are correlated with the phosphine ligand structures.     

Photophysical and electrochemical properties of Ru(II) complexes containing tridentate bisphosphino-oligothiophene ligands

Nine Ru(II) complexes containing the conjugated oligothiophene ligands 3,3'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-2,2':5',2'-terthiophene (P(2)T(3)) and 4',3'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-3,3'-dihexyl- 2,2':5',2':5',2':5',2'-pentathiophene (P(2)T(5)) were prepared and characterized. P(2)T(3) and P(2)T(5) bond as tridentate ligands and three of the complexes (1, 2 and 5) form green five-coordinate Ru(II) complexes in solution. Cyclic voltammetry, variable temperature UV-vis spectroscopy and time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy were used to characterize the electronic properties of the complexes. Increased conjugation in the complexes containing the P(2)T(5) ligand resulted in a lowering of the oxidation potential of the oligothiophene, but electropolymerization was not observed. The electronic spectra were dominated by π-π* transitions. All of the complexes were non-emissive both at room temperature and low temperature, indicating the excited state decays by other, non-radiative pathways. The transient absorption spectrum of complex 7 shows a species with a band at 475 nm and a lifetime of ～100 ns, assigned to a ligand-based triplet state.     

Bis(tridentate) Ruthenium-Terpyridine Complexes Featuring Microsecond Excited-State Lifetimes

A series of heteroleptic bis(tridentate) ruthenium(II) complexes, each bearing a substituted 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine (terpy) ligand, is characterized by room temperature microsecond excited-state lifetimes. This observation is a consequence of the strongly σ-donating and weakly π-accepting tridentate carbene ligand, 2',6'-bis(1-mesityl-3-methyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-5-idene)pyridine (C(∧)N(∧)C), adjacent to the terpy maintaining a large separation between the ligand field and metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) states while also preserving a large (3)MLCT energy. The observed lifetimes are the highest documented lifetimes for unimolecular ruthenium(II) complexes and are four orders in magnitude higher than that associated with [Ru(terpy)(2)](2+).     

trans-[Ru(II)(dpp)Cl2]: a convenient reagent for the preparation of heteroleptic Ru(dpp) complexes, where dpp is 2,9-di(pyrid-2'-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline

The reaction of 2,9-di(pyrid-2'-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (dpp) with [RuCl(3)·3H(2)O] or [Ru(DMSO)(4)Cl(2)] provides the reagent trans-[Ru(II)(dpp)Cl(2)] in yields of 98 and 89%, respectively. This reagent reacts with monodentate ligands L to replace the two axial chlorides, affording reasonable yields of a ruthenium(II) complex with dpp bound tetradentate in the equatorial plane. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the tetradentate complexes are strongly influenced by the axial ligands with electron-donating character to stabilize the ruthenium(III) state, shifting the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer absorption to lower energy and decreasing the oxidation potential. When the precursor trans-[Ru(II)(dpp)Cl(2)] reacts with a bidentate (2,2'-bipyridine), tridentate (2,2';6,2'-terpyridine), or tetradentate (itself) ligand, a peripheral pyridine on dpp is displaced such that dpp binds as a tridentate. This situation is illustrated by an X-ray analysis of [Ru(dpp)(bpy)Cl](PF(6)).     

Atropisomeric discrimination in new Ru(II) complexes containing the C(2)-symmetric didentate chiral phenyl-1,2-bisoxazolinic ligand

A new family of Ru(II) complexes containing the tridentate meridional 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine (trpy) ligand, a C(2)-symmetric didentate chiral oxazolinic ligand 1,2-bis[4'-alkyl-4',5'-dihydro-2'-oxazolyl]benzene (Phbox-R, R = Et or iPr), and a monodentate ligand, of general formula [Ru(Y)(trpy)(Phbox-R)](n+) (Y = Cl, H(2)O, py, MeCN, or 2-OH-py (2-hydroxypyridine)) have been prepared and thoroughly characterized. In the solid state the complexes have been characterized by IR spectroscopy and by X-ray diffraction analysis in two cases. In solution, UV/Vis, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR spectroscopy techniques have been used. We have also performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations with these complexes to interpret and complement experimental results. The oxazolinic ligand Phbox-R exhibits free rotation along the phenyloxazoline axes. Upon coordination this rotation is restricted by an energy barrier of 26.0 kcal mol(-1) for the case of [Ru(trpy)(Phbox-iPr)(MeCN)](2+) thus preventing its potential interconversion. Furthermore due to steric effects the two atropisomers differ in energy by 5.7 kcal mol(-1) and as a consequence only one of them is obtained in the synthesis. Subtle but important structural effects occur upon changing the monodentate ligands that are detected by NMR spectroscopy in solution and interpreted by using their calculated DFT structures.     

Ruthenium(II) complexes with improved photophysical properties based on planar 4'-(2-pyrimidinyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine ligands

A series of new tridentate polypyridine ligands, made of terpyridine chelating subunits connected to various substituted 2-pyrimidinyl groups, and their homoleptic and heteroleptic Ru(II) complexes have been prepared and characterized. The new metal complexes have general formulas [(R-pm-tpy)Ru(tpy)]2+ and [Ru(tpy-pm-R)2]2+ (tpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine; R-pm-tpy = 4'-(2-pyrimidinyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine with R = H, methyl, phenyl, perfluorophenyl, chloride, and cyanide). Two of the new metal complexes have also been characterized by X-ray analysis. In all the R-pm-tpy ligands, the pyrimidinyl and terpyridyl groups are coplanar, allowing an extended delocalization of acceptor orbital of the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited state. The absorption spectra, redox behavior, and luminescence properties of the new Ru(II) complexes have been investigated. In particular, the photophysical properties of these species are significantly better compared to those of [Ru(tpy)2]2+ and well comparable with those of the best emitters of Ru(II) polypyridine family containing tridentate ligands. Reasons for the improved photophysical properties lie at the same time in an enhanced MLCT-MC (MC = metal centered) energy gap and in a reduced difference between the minima of the excited and ground states potential energy surfaces. The enhanced MLCT-MC energy gap leads to diminished efficiency of the thermally activated pathway for the radiationless process, whereas the similarity in ground and excited-state geometries causes reduced Franck Condon factors for the direct radiationless decay from the MLCT state to the ground state of the new complexes in comparison with [Ru(tpy)2]2+ and similar species.     

Tuning of redox potentials by introducing a cyclometalated bond to bis-tridentate ruthenium(II) complexes bearing bis(N-methylbenzimidazolyl)benzene or -pyridine ligands

A series of asymmetrical bis-tridentate cyclometalated complexes including [Ru(Mebib)(Mebip)](+), [Ru(Mebip)(dpb)](+), [Ru(Mebip)(Medpb)](+), and [Ru(Mebib)(tpy)](+) and two bis-tridentate noncyclometalated complexes [Ru(Mebip)(2)](2+) and [Ru(Mebip)(tpy)](2+) were prepared and characterized, where Mebib is bis(N-methylbenzimidazolyl)benzene, Mebip is bis(N-methylbenzimidazolyl)pyridine, dpb is 1,3-di-2-pyridylbenzene, Medpb is 4,6-dimethyl-1,3-di-2-pyridylbenzene, and tpy is 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine. The solid-state structure of [Ru(Mebip)(Medpb)](+) is studied by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of these ruthenium complexes were studied and compared with those of known complexes [Ru(tpy)(dpb)](+) and [Ru(tpy)(2)](2+). The change of the supporting ligands and coordination environment allows progressive modulation of the metal-associated redox potentials (Ru(II/III)) from +0.26 to +1.32 V vs Ag/AgCl. The introduction of a ruthenium cyclometalated bond in these complexes results in a significant negative potential shift. The Ru(II/III) potentials of these complexes were analyzed on the basis of Lever's electrochemical parameters (E(L)). Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculations were carried out to elucidate the electronic structures and spectroscopic spectra of complexes with Mebib or Mebip ligands.     

Ruthenium complexes of easily accessible tridentate ligands based on the 2-aryl-4,6-bis(2-pyridyl)-s-triazine motif: absorption spectra, luminescence properties, and redox behavior

A family of tridendate ligands 1 a-e, based on the 2-aryl-4,6-di(2-pyridyl)-s-triazine motif, was prepared along with their hetero- and homoleptic Ru(II) complexes 2 a-e ([Ru(tpy)(1 a-e)](2+); tpy=2,2':6',2"-terpyridine) and 3 a-e ([(Ru(1 a-e)(2)](2+)), respectively. The ligands and their complexes were characterized by (1)H NMR spectroscopy, ES-MS, and elemental analysis. Single-crystal X-ray analysis of 2 a and 2 e demonstrated that the triazine core is nearly coplanar with the non-coordinating ring, with dihedral angles of 1.2 and 18.6 degrees, respectively. The redox behavior and electronic absorption and luminescence properties (both at room temperature in liquid acetonitrile and at 77 K in butyronitrile rigid matrix) were investigated. Each species undergoes one oxidation process centered on the metal ion, and several (three for 2 a-e and four for 3 a-e) reduction processes centered on the ligand orbitals. All compounds exhibit intense absorption bands in the UV region, assigned to spin-allowed ligand-centered (LC) transitions, and moderately intense spin-allowed metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) absorption bands in the visible region. The compounds exhibit relatively intense emissions, originating from triplet MLCT levels, both at 77 K and at room temperature. The incorporation of triazine rings and the near planarity of the noncoordinating ring increase the luminescence lifetimes of the complexes by lowering the energy of the (3)MLCT state and creating a large energy gap to the dd state.     

Synthesis and study of Ru,Rh,Ru triads: modulation of orbital energies in a supramolecular architecture

Supramolecular trimetallic complexes [((tpy)RuCl(BL))(2)RhCl(2)](3+) where tpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine and BL = dpp or bpm [dpp = 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine and bpm = 2,2'-bipyrimidine] have been synthesized and characterized. The mixed-metal complexes couple a reactive rhodium(III) center to two ruthenium(II) light absorbers to form a light absorber-electron collector-light absorber triad. The variation of the bridging (dpp and bpm) and terminal (tpy in lieu of bpy) ligands has some profound effects on the properties of these complexes, and they are remarkably different from the previously reported [((bpy)(2)Ru(bpm))(2)RhCl(2)](5+) system. The electrochemical data for both title trimetallics consist of overlapping Ru(III/II) couples for both terminal metals at 1.12 V versus the Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Cathodically an irreversible Rh(III/I) reduction followed by bridging ligand reductions is seen. This is indicative of highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO) localized on the terminal ruthenium metal centers and a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) residing on the rhodium. This rhodium-based LUMO is in contrast to the bpy analogue [((bpy)(2)Ru(bpm))(2)RhCl(2)](5+), which has a bpm(pi) localized LUMO. This orbital inversion by terminal ligand variation illustrates the similar energy of these Rh(dsigma) and bpm(pi) orbitals within this structural motif. Both title trimetallics possess broad, low-energy Ru --> BL charge transfer absorbances at 540 nm (dpp) and 656 nm (bpm). A comparison of the spectroscopic, electrochemical, and spectroelectrochemical properties of these trimetallic complexes is presented.     

Eilatin complexes of ruthenium and osmium. synthesis, electrochemical behavior, and near-IR luminescence

The synthesis and characterization of new Ru(II) and Os(II) complexes of the ligand eilatin (1) are described. The new complexes [Ru(bpy)(eil)(2)](2+) (2), [Ru(eil)(3)](2+) (3), and [Os(eil)(3)](2+) (4) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; eil = eilatin) were synthesized and characterized by NMR, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. In the series of complexes [Ru(bpy)(x)(eil)(y)()](2+) (x + y = 3), the effect of sequential substitution of eil for bpy on the electrochemical and photophysical properties was examined. The absorption spectra of the complexes exhibit several bpy- and eil-associated pi-pi and metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) transitions in the visible region (400-600 nm), whose energy and relative intensity depend on the number of ligands bound to the metal center (x and y). On going from [Ru(bpy)(2)(eil)](2+) (5) to 2 to 3, the d(pi)(Ru) --> pi(eil) MLCT transition undergoes a red shift from 583 to 591 to 599 nm, respectively. Electrochemical measurements performed in dimethyl sulfoxide reveal several ligand-based reduction processes, where each eil ligand can accept up to two electrons at potentials that are significantly anodically shifted (by ca. 1 V) with respect to the bpy ligands. The complexes exhibit near-IR emission (900-1100 nm) of typical (3)MLCT character, both at room temperature and at 77 K. Along the series 5, 2, and 3, upon substitution of eil for bpy, the emission maxima undergo a blue shift and the quantum yields and lifetimes increase. The radiative and nonradiative processes that contribute to deactivation of the excited level are discussed in detail.     

Comparison of Physical and Photophysical Properties of Monometallic and Bimetallic Ruthenium(II) Complexes Containing Structurally Altered Diimine Ligands

The physical and photophysical properties of a series of monometallic, [Ru(bpy)(2)(dmb)](2+), [Ru(bpy)(2)(BPY)](2+), [Ru(bpy)(Obpy)](2+) and [Ru(bpy)(2)(Obpy)](2+), and bimetallic, [{Ru(bpy)(2)}(2)(BPY)](4+) and [{Ru(bpy)(2)}(2)(Obpy)](4+), complexes are examined, where bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine, dmb is 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, BPY is 1,2-bis(4-methyl-2,2'-bipyridin-4'-yl)ethane, and Obpy is 1,2-bis(2,2'-bipyridin-6-yl)ethane. The complexes display metal-to-ligand charge transfer transitions in the 450 nm region, intraligand pi --> pi transitions at energies greater than 300 nm, a reversible oxidation of the ruthenium(II) center in the 1.25-1.40 V vs SSCE region, a series of three reductions associated with each coordinated ligand commencing at -1.3 V and ending at approximately -1.9 V, and emission from a (3)MLCT state having energy maxima between 598 and 610 nm. The Ru(III)/Ru(II) oxidation of the two bimetallic complexes is a single, two one-electron process. Relative to [Ru(bpy)(2)(BPY)](2+), the Ru(III)/Ru(II) potential for [Ru(bpy)(2)(Obpy)](2+) increases from 1.24 to 1.35 V, the room temperature emission lifetime decreases from 740 to 3 ns, and the emission quantum yield decreases from 0.078 to 0.000 23. Similarly, relative to [{Ru(bpy)(2)}(2)(BPY)](4+), the Ru(III)/Ru(II) potential for [{Ru(bpy)(2)}(2)(Obpy)](4+) increases from 1.28 to 1.32 V, the room temperature emission lifetime decreases from 770 to 3 ns, and the room temperature emission quantum yield decreases from 0.079 to 0.000 26. Emission lifetimes measured in 4:1 ethanol:methanol were temperature dependent over 90-360 K. In the fluid environment, emission lifetimes display a biexponential energy dependence ranging from 100 to 241 cm(-)(1) for the first energy of activation and 2300-4300 cm(-)(1) for the second one. The smaller energy is attributed to changes in the local matrix of the chromophores and the larger energy of activation to population of a higher energy dd state. Explanations for the variations in physical properties are based on molecular mechanics calculations which reveal that the Ru-N bond distance increases from 2.05 ? (from Ru(II) to bpy and BPY) to 2.08 ? (from Ru(II) to Obpy) and that the metal-to-metal distance increases from approximately 7.5 ? for [{Ru(bpy)(2)}(2)(Obpy)](4+) to approximately 14 ? for [{Ru(bpy)(2)}(2)(BPY)](4+).     

Trinuclear ruthenium dendrons based on bridging PHEHAT and TPAC ligands

Novel polynuclear compounds, the trinuclear precursor complex cis-{[(phen)(2)Ru(PHEHAT)](2)Ru(CH(3)CN)(2)}(6+) 4 and the trinuclear TPAC (tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c:3',2'-h:2',3'-j]acridine) complex {[(phen)(2)Ru(PHEHAT)](2)Ru(TPAC)}(6+) 5 have been prepared. Their electrochemistry and photophysics indicate that the (3)MLCT (metal to ligand charge transfer) emissions involve the external {Ru(PHEHAT)} moieties for both complexes and there is no spectro-electrochemical correlation. The trinuclear dendron with the TPAC ligand represents a key compound for future constructions of much larger species thanks to the TPAC that could bridge another polynuclear precursor. For decreasing the length of preparation of these compounds, microwave assisted syntheses have been tested and used not only for the targeted complexes but also for the precursors ((phen)(2)RuCl(2), {(phen)(2)Ru(phendione)}(2+), {(phen)(2)Ru(PHEHAT)}(2+) (PHEHAT = 1,10-phenanthrolino[5,6-b]1,4,5,8,9,12-hexaazatriphenylene), (DMSO)(4)RuCl(2)), and for the bridging TPAC ligand itself. The microwave method allows a drastic decrease of the preparation times, especially in the case of the TPAC, from 8 days to 60 min.     

Synthesis, structure and spectral and redox properties of new mixed ligand monomeric and dimeric Ru(II) complexes: predominant formation of the "cis-alpha" diastereoisomer and unusual 3MC emission by dimeric complexes

The tetradentate ligands 1,8-bis(pyrid-2-yl)-3,6-dithiaoctane (pdto) and 1,8-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)-3,6-dithiaoctane (bbdo) form the complexes [Ru(pdto)(mu-Cl)](2)(ClO(4))(2) 1 and [Ru(bbdo)(mu-Cl)](2)(ClO(4))(2) 2 respectively. The new di-mu-chloro dimers 1 and 2 undergo facile symmetrical bridge cleavage reactions with the diimine ligands 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and dipyridylamine (dpa) to form the six-coordinate complexes [Ru(pdto)(bpy)](ClO(4))(2) 3, [Ru(bbdo)(bpy)](ClO(4))(2) 4, [Ru(pdto)(dpa)](ClO(4))(2) 5 and [Ru(bbdo)(dpa)](ClO(4))(2) 6 and with the triimine ligand 2,2':6,2'-terpyridine (terpy) to form the unusual seven-coordinate complexes [Ru(pdto)(terpy)](ClO(4))(2) 7 and [Ru(bbdo)(terpy)](ClO(4))(2) 8. In 1 the dimeric cation [Ru(pdto)(mu-Cl)](2)(2+) is made up of two approximately octahedrally coordinated Ru(II) centers bridged by two chloride ions, which constitute a common edge between the two Ru(II) octahedra. Each ruthenium is coordinated also to two pyridine nitrogen and two thioether sulfur atoms of the tetradentate ligand. The ligand pdto is folded around Ru(II) as a result of the cis-dichloro coordination, which corresponds to a "cis-alpha" configuration [DeltaDelta/LambdaLambda(rac) diastereoisomer] supporting the possibility of some attractive pi-stacking interactions between the parallel py rings at each ruthenium atom. The ruthenium atom in the complex cations 3a and 4 exhibit a distorted octahedral coordination geometry composed of two nitrogen atoms of the bpy and the two thioether sulfur and two py/bzim nitrogen atoms of the pdto/bbdo ligand, which is actually folded around Ru(II) to give a "cis-alpha" isomer. The molecule of complex 5 contains a six-coordinated ruthenium atom chelated by pdto and dpa ligands in the expected distorted octahedral fashion. The (1)H and (13)C NMR spectral data of the complexes throw light on the nature of metal-ligand bonding and the conformations of the chelate rings, which indicates that the dithioether ligands maintain their tendency to fold themselves even in solution. The bis-mu-chloro dimers 1 and 2 show a spin-allowed but Laporte-forbidden t(2g)(6)((1)A(1g))--> t(2g)(5) e(g)(1)((1)T(1g), (1)T(2g)) d-d transition. They also display an intense Ru(II) dpi--> py/bzim (pi*) metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transition. The mononuclear complexes 3-8 exhibit dpi-->pi* MLCT transitions in the range 340-450 nm. The binuclear complexes 1 and 2 exhibit a ligand field ((3)MC) luminescence even at room temperature, whereas the mononuclear complexes 3 and 4 show a ligand based radical anion ((3)MLCT) luminescence. The binuclear complexes 1 and 2 undergo two successive oxidation processes corresponding to successive Ru(II)/Ru(III) couples, affording a stable mixed-valence Ru(II)Ru(III) state (K(c): 1, 3.97 x 10(6); 2, 1.10 x 10(6)). The mononuclear complexes 3-7 exhibit only one while 8 shows two quasi-reversible metal-based oxidative processes. The coordinated 'soft' thioether raises the redox potentials significantly by stabilising the 'soft' Ru(II) oxidation state. One or two ligand-based reduction processes were also observed for the mononuclear complexes.