Electronic structure of metastable isomers of Ru nitroso complexes

Geometrical structures of nitroso complexes trans- [Ru(NO)(NH₃)₄(Cl)]²⁺, trans-[Ru(NO)(NH₃)₄(H2O)]³⁺, [Ru(NO)(Cyclam)(Cl)]²⁺(Cyclam is 1,4,8,11-tetraazocyclodecane), and [Ru(NO)(Bipy)₂(Cl)]²⁺ (Bipy is 2,2-bipyridine) are optimized using the density functional method. The potential energy surface of all four complexes was found to contain local minima corresponding to a stable state with the ¹-coordination of NO through the N atom and to two metastable isomers with the ¹-O and ²-NO coordination. For [Ru(NO)Cl₅)]^2-, trans-[Ru(NO)(NH₃)₄(Cl)]²⁺, and trans-[Ru(NO)(NH₃)₄(H₂O)]³⁺, the lowest electronically excited triplet states are calculated, as well as the reduced complexes with one additional electron. It is shown that the electron excitation and reduction are accompanied by bending of the RuNO group with a substantial elongation of the Ru-O and N-O bonds, which makes this group unstable. These processes do not cause any significant changes in the metal or in the nitroso ligand oxidation states because of the electron density delocalization in the RuNO group.Translated from Koordinatsionnaya Khimiya, Vol. 31, No. 1, 2005, pp. 32–42.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Sizova, Lubimova.     

Heterometallic complexes of Co2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ with the [RuNO(NO2)4OH]2? anion and pyridine: Synthesis, crystal structure, and thermolysis

Three new heteronuclear complexes [Ru(NO)(NO₂)₄(OH)M(Py)₃] (M = Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺) were synthesized and structurally characterized. In all compounds, the [Ru(NO)(NO²)⁴(OH)] fragment is coordinated to the M atom by a bridging OH and two bridging NO₂ groups. The coordination environment of the metal also includes three pyridine nitrogen atoms. Thermal decomposition of cobalt and nickel complexes in an inert atmosphere yields bimetallic solid solutions. Original Russian Text ? G.A. Kostin, A.O. Borodin, Yu.V. Shubin, N.V. Kurat’eva, V.A. Emelyanov, P.E. Plyusnin, M.R. Gallyamov, 2009, published in Koordinatsionnaya Khimiya, 2009, Vol. 35, No. 1, pp. 57–64.     

Synthesis, characterization and DNA-binding characteristics of Ru(II) molecular light switch complexes

A series of four polypyridyl Ru(II) complexes such as [Ru(L)₄(PIP)]²⁺ and [Ru(L)₄PPIP]²⁺ where L is 4-amino pyridine and Pyridine (PIP?=?2-phenylimidazo[4,5-f] [1, 10] phenanthroline), (PPIP?=?2-(4??-phenoxy-phenyl) imidazo[4,5-][1, 10]phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, physicochemical methods such as UV?Cvis, IR and NMR spectroscopic techniques. The DNA-binding behavior of these complexes was investigated by electronic absorption titrations, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity measurements and salt-dependent studies. The experimental results indicate that all these complexes can bind to DNA through an intercalation mode, the DNA-binding affinities of these complexes follow the order [Ru(4-APy)₄(PPIP)]²⁺(1)?>?[Ru(Py)₄PPIP]²⁺(2)?>?[Ru(4-APy)₄(PIP)]²⁺(3)?>?[Ru(Py)₄PIP]²⁺(4). Noticeably, these complexes have been found to be efficient photosensitisers for strand scissions in plasmid DNA. Further, all four complexes screened for their antimicrobial activity indicate that the complexes show appreciable activity against Escherichia coli and Neurospora Crassa. In addition, in the presence of Co²⁺, the emission of DNA-[Ru(L₄)PPIP/PIP]²⁺ can be quenched and recovered by the addition of EDTA, which exhibited the DNA ??light switch?? properties.     

Bio-catalysts and catalysts based on ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes imparting diphenyl-(2-pyridyl)-phosphine as a co-ligand

Reactions of the ruthenium complexes [Ru(κ³-tpy)(PPh₃)Cl₂], [Ru(κ³-tptz)(PPh₃)Cl₂] and [Ru(κ³-tpy)Cl₃] [tpy = 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine; tptz = 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine] with diphenyl-(2-pyridyl)-phosphine (PPh₂Py) have been investigated. The complexes [Ru(κ³-tpy)(PPh₃)Cl₂] and [Ru(κ³-tptz)(PPh₃)Cl₂] reacted with PPh₂Py to afford [Ru(κ³-tpy)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂Cl]⁺ (1) and [Ru(κ³-tptz)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂Cl]⁺ (2), which were isolated as their tetrafluoroborate salts. Under analogous conditions, [Ru(κ³-tpy)Cl₃] gave a neutral complex [Ru(κ³-tpy)(κ¹-PPh₂Py)Cl₂] (3). Upon treatment with an excess of NH₄PF₆ in methanol, 1 and 2 gave [Ru(κ³-tpy)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)(κ²-P,N-PPh₂Py)](PF₆)₂ (4) and [Ru(κ³-tptz)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)(κ²-P,N-PPh₂Py)](PF₆)₂ (5) containing both monodentate and chelated PPh₂Py. Further, 4 and 5 reacted with an excess of NaCN and CH₃CN to afford [Ru(κ³-tpy)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂(CN)](PF₆) (6), [Ru(κ³-tpy)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂(NCCH₃)](PF₆)₂ (7), [Ru(κ³-tptz)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂(CN)]PF₆ (8) and [Ru(κ³-tptz)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂(NCCH₃)](PF₆)₂ (9) supporting hemi labile nature of the coordinated PPh₂Py. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, spectral (IR, NMR, electronic absorption, FAB-MS), electrochemical studies and structures of 1, 2 and 3 determined by X-ray single crystal analyses. At higher concentration level (40 μM) the complexes under investigation exhibit inhibitory activity against DNA-Topo II of the filarial parasite S. cervi and 3 catalyses rearrangement of aldoximes to amide under aerobic conditions.     

Behavior of nitrite forms of nitrosylruthenium on extraction and back extraction of heterometalic Ru/Zn complexes with trioctylphosphine oxide

The state of ruthenium in conjugated phases upon extraction of trans-[Ru(¹⁵NO)(¹⁵NO₂)₄(OH)]^2? complex with tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) in the presence of Zn²⁺ and subsequent back extraction with H¹⁵NO₃ and NH₃(concd.) solutions was studied by ¹⁵N NMR. Binuclear complexes [Ru(NO)(NO₂)_5?n (μ-NO₂) _n?1(μ-OH)Zn(TOPO) _n ] and [Ru(NO)(NO₂)_4?n (ONO)(μ-NO₂) _n?1(μ-OH)Zn(TOPO) _n ], where n = 2, 3, are predominant forms in extract. Kinetic restrictions for ruthenium extraction with TOPO solution in hexane and its back extraction with aqueous solutions of nitric acid and ammonia are eliminated in the absence of direct coordination of extractant to ruthenium. fac-Dinitronitrosyl forms [Ru(NO)(H₂O)₃(NO₂)₂]⁺, [Ru(NO)(H₂O)₂(NO₂)₂(NO₃)]⁰ (3 and 6 M HNO₃) and [Ru(NO)(H₂O)(NO₂)₂(NO₃)₂]^? (6 M HNO₃) prevail in nitric acid back extracts. Equilibrium constant at ambient temperature (0.05 ± 0.01) was assessed for the coordination of second nitrate ion to nitrosylruthenium dinitronitrato complex. Complex species [Ru(NO)(NO₂)₄(OH)]^2? and [Ru(NO)(NO₂)₃(ONO)(OH)]^2? prevail in ammonia back extract.     

Review: Synthesis,characterization, and DNA-binding properties of Ru(II) molecular “light switch” complexes

This article presents recent progress in our laboratory on the interactions of Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA). Mixed polypyridyl Ru(II) complexes [Ru(L)₄(AIP)]²⁺ and [Ru(L)₄PyIP]²⁺, where L is 4-amino pyridine and pyridine (AIP?=?2-(9-anthryl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline; PyIP?=?2-(1-pyrenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, and physicochemical methods such as ESI-MS, UV-Vis, IR, and NMR spectroscopic techniques. Electronic absorption titrations, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity measurements, and salt-dependent studies of CT-DNA in the presence of incremental amounts of all four Ru(II) complexes clearly demonstrate that all four complexes bind to DNA by intercalation. The DNA-binding affinities of these complexes follow the order [Ru(4-APy)₄(PyIP)]^2+?>?[Ru(Py)₄PyIP]^2+?>?[Ru(4-APy)₄(AIP)]^2+?>?[Ru(Py)₄AIP]²⁺. Irradiation of pBR 322 DNA with these complexes results in nicking of the plasmid DNA. All four complexes were screened for antimicrobial activity. All complexes also exhibited DNA “light switch” properties. These results suggest that both ancillary ligand and intercalative ligand influence the binding of these complexes to DNA.     

Quantum chemical study of the bond orders in the ruthenium,diruthenium and dirhodium nitrosyl complexes

Density functional calculations with the B3LYP functional were carried out for the [Ru(NO)Cl₅]²⁻, [Ru(NO)(NH₃)₅]³⁺, [Ru(NO)(CN)₅]²⁻, [Ru(NO)(CN)₅]³⁻, [Ru(NO)(hedta)]^q (hedta = N-(hydroxyethyl)ethylenediaminetriacetate triple-charged anion; q = 0, −1, −2), Rh₂(O₂CR)₄, Rh₂(O₂CR)₄(NO)₂, Ru₂(O₂CR)₄, Ru₂(O₂CR)₄(NO)₂, Ru₂(dpf)₄, and Ru₂(dpf)₄(NO)₂ (dpf = N,N′-diphenylformamidinate ion; R = H, CH₃, CF₃) complexes. The electronic structure was analyzed in terms of Mayer and Wiberg bond order indices. The technique of bond order indices decomposition into σ-, π-, and δ-contributions was proposed.     

Activation of Open‐Cage Fullerenes with Ruthenium Carbonyl Clusters

Reactions of the open‐cage fullerene C₆₃NO₂(Py)(Ph)₂ ( 1 ) with [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] produce [Ru₃(CO)₈(μ,η⁵‐C₆₃NO₂(Py)(Ph)₂)] ( 2 ), [Ru₂H(CO)₃(μ,η⁷‐C₆₃N(Py)(Ph)(C₆H₄))] ( 3 ), and [Ru(CO)(Py)₂₍η³‐C₆₃NO₂(Py)(Ph)₂)] ( 4 ), in which the orifice sizes are modified from 12 to 8, 11, and 15‐membered ring, through ruthenium‐mediated C?O and C?C bond activation and formation.     

Synthesis, structures, and thermolysis of new heterometallic cobalt, nickel, and copper complexes with the [Ru(NO)(NO2)4(OH)]2− anion as a ligand

Heterometallic complexes with pyridine-N-oxide (PyO), Ru(NO)(NO₂)₄(OH)Ni(PyO)₂(H₂O)] · CH₃COCH₃ (I), [{Ru(NO)(NO₂)₂(μ-NO₂)₂(μ-OH)Co}₂(μ-PyO)] · H₂O · CH₃COCH (II), and [Ru(NO)(NO₂)₄(OH)Cu(PyO)₂ (III), are isolated in the reactions of Na₂[Ru(NO)(NO₂)₄(OH)] with nitrates of the corresponding metals in the presence of the organic ligand. The compounds synthesized are characterized by IR spectra, thermal analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Depending on the M²⁺ cation, the ruthenium cation is coordinated through the bidentate (III, Cu²⁺) or tridentate (I, Ni²⁺ and II, CO₂₊) mode involving the bridging OH group and one or two NO₂ groups. The thermal decomposition of complex II results in the formation of a Co_0.5Ru_0.5 solid solution, which is thermodynamically stable under the decomposition conditions. The thermolysis of complexes I and III in a hydrogen atmosphere leads to the formation of metastable solid solutions.     

Nitrosoruthenium hydroxo and aqua complexes of the trans-dipyridine series: Synthesis,structures, and characterization

A procedure for the synthesis of trans-Ru(NO)(Py)₂Cl₂(OH) (I) from K₂[Ru(NO)Cl₅] was proposed. Treatment of hydroxo complex I with HCl or H₂SO₄ at room temperature gave the corresponding salts trans-[Ru(NO)(Py)₂Cl₂(H₂O)]Cl · 2H₂O (II) and trans-[Ru(NO)(Py)₂Cl₂(H₂O)]HSO₄ (III). All the complexes obtained were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR and IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis; their structures were determined by X-ray diffraction. The structures are stabilized by π-stacking between the pyridine ligands of adjacent complex species.     

Modeling the solvation shell of complexes in solution for quantum chemical calculations of electronic spectra

A procedure that allows for solvation effects is suggested; it is designed for quantum chemical calculations of the electronic spectra of complex compounds. Based on Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of the solvation shell one can calculate the electrostatic potential created by the solvation shell at the sites of all atoms of the complex; appropriate corrections are added to the diagonal elements of the Fock matrix and to the matrix elements of the Hamiltonian in the configuration interaction method. The method suggested has been implemented based on the semiempirical (CINDO) version of the CI (configuration interaction) technique and tested on the following compounds: [Ru(NH₃)₅(py)]²⁺, [Ru(NH₃)₅(pyz)]²⁺, [Ru(bpy)(CN)₄]^2?, [Ru(NO)(py)₄-NC-Ru(py)₄(CN)]³⁺.     

Electronic structures of heterometallic complexes [Ru(NO)(NO2)4(OH)ZnL n ] according to the data of quantum-chemical calculations and photoelectron spectroscopy

A new complex [Ru(NO)(NO₂)₄(OH)Zn(PyO)₂(H₂O)](PyO is pyridine-N-oxide) is synthesized and structurally characterized. The new complex has the face coordination of the [Ru(NO)(NO₂)₄(OH)]^2? anion to the Zn²⁺ cation similar to that in the earlier obtained complexes with other organic ligands. The methods of quantum chemistry and photoelectron spectroscopy show that the electronic structures of the [Ru(NO)(NO₂)₄(OH)ZnL _n ] heterometallic complexes depend weakly on the nature of the ligands (L = Ph₃PO, C₅H₅N, and C₅H₅N-O) coordinated to Zn²⁺ and are primarily determined by the electron density redistribution from the terminal nitro and nitroso groups of the ruthenium fragment to the zinc atom. The maximum change in the charge related to the nitroso group correlates with the strongest change in the energy of the occupied molecular orbital (HOMO-2 of the anion) oriented along the NO-Ru-OH coordinate.     

Electronic structures of tetragonal nitrido and nitrosyl metal complexes

The standard oxidation states of central metal atoms in C _4v nitrido ([M(N)(L)₅] ^z ) complexes are four units higher than those in corresponding nitrosyls ([M(NO)(L)₅] ^z ) (L=CN: z = 3−, M = Mn, Tc, Re; z = 2−, M = Fe, Ru, Os; L = NH₃: z = 2+, M = Mn, Tc, Re; z = 3+, M = Fe, Ru, Os). Recent work has suggested that [Mn(NO)(CN)₅]³⁻ behaves electronically much closer to Mn(V)[b ₂(xy)]², the ground state of [Mn(N)(CN)₅]³⁻, than to Mn(I)[b ₂(xy)]²[e(xz,yz)]⁴. We have employed density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory to calculate the properties of the ground states and lowest-lying excitations of [M(N)(L)₅] ^z and [M(NO)(L)₅] ^z . Our results show that [M(N)(L)₅] ^z and [M(NO)(L)₅] ^z complexes with the same z value have strikingly similar electronic structures.     

Interpretation of the Electronic Spectra of Ruthenium Nitrosyl Complexes with Nitrogen-containing Heterocyclic Ligands

The electronic absorption spectra of ruthenium nitrosyl complexes with nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ligands were analyzed on the basis of ab initio and CINDO/CI semiempirical calculations of free ligands L and complexes trans-[Ru(NO)(NH₃)₄(L)]^{3 +} (L = pyridine, pyrazine, nicotinamide, isonicotinamide, l-histidine, imidazole). Spectral manifestations of a strong covalent Ru-NO bond were observed to conclude that the oxidation states of Ru and NO in the RuNO^{3 +} group are expedient to represent as Ru(III) and NO⁰. Introduction of a nitrosyl group into the inner coordination sphere of Ru(II) complexes with nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ligands much affects the entire spectral patterns and denudes these ligands of the capacity to exhibit chromophoric properties.     

Three Distinct Redox States of an Oxo‐Bridged Dinuclear Ruthenium Complex

A series of [{(terpy)(bpy)Ru}(μ‐O){Ru(bpy)(terpy)}]ⁿ⁺ ( [RuORu]ⁿ⁺ , terpy=2,2′;6′,2′′‐terpyridine, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) was systematically synthesized and characterized in three distinct redox states (n=3, 4, and 5 for Ru^II,III₂ , Ru^III,III₂ , and Ru^III,IV₂ , respectively). The crystal structures of [RuORu]ⁿ⁺ (n=3, 4, 5) in all three redox states were successfully determined. X‐ray crystallography showed that the Ru? O distances and the Ru‐O‐Ru angles are mainly regulated by the oxidation states of the ruthenium centers. X‐ray crystallography and ESR spectra clearly revealed the detailed electronic structures of two mixed‐valence complexes, [Ru^IIIORu^IV]⁵⁺ and [Ru^IIORu^III]³⁺ , in which each unpaired electron is completely delocalized across the oxo‐bridged dinuclear core. These findings allow us to understand the systematic changes in structure and electronic state that accompany the changes in the redox state.     

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.     

Complexing behaviour of aromatic thioamides (ArCSNHCOR). Transition metal complexes of N-carboethoxy-4-chlorobenzene- and N-carboethoxy-4-bromobenzene thioamide ligands

N-Carboethoxy-4-chlorobenzene thioamide (Hcct or HL) and N-carboethoxy-4-bromobenzene thioamide (Hcbt or HL) react with bivalent (Ni, Co, Cu, Ru, Pd and Pt), trivalent (Ru and Rh) and tetravalent (Pt) transition metal ions to give [M^II(L)₂], [Ru^III(L)₃], [Rh^III(L)(HL)Cl₂] and [Pt(L)₂Cl₂] complexes, respectively. In the presence of pyridine, Co^II and Ni^II salts react with the ligands (HL) to give [M^II(L)₂Py] (M = Co and Ni) complexes. Soft metal ions abstract sulphur from the ligands to yield the corresponding sulphide, together with oxygenated forms of the ligands. All the metal complexes have been characterised by chemical analyses, conductivity, spectroscopic and magnetic measurements.     

Study of the interaction between ruthenium(II) complexes and CT-DNA: synthesis,characterisation, photocleavage and antimicrobial activity studies

Two polypyridyl ligands 6-fluro-3-(1H-imidazo [4,5-f] [1,10]-phenanthroline-2-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one (FIPC), 6-chloro-3-(1H-imidazo [4,5-f] [1,10]-phenanthroline-2-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one (ClIPC) polypyridyl ligands and their Ru(II) complexes [Ru(bipy)₂FIPC]²⁺(1), [Ru(dmb)₂FIPC]²⁺(2), [Ru(phen)₂FIPC]²⁺(3), [Ru(bipy)₂ClIPC]²⁺(4), [Ru(dmb)₂ClIPC]²⁺(5) and [Ru(phen)₂ClIPC]²⁺(6) ((bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, dmb = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesised and characterised by elemental analysis, Mass spectra, IR, ¹H and ¹³C-NMR. The DNA-binding of the six complexes to calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been investigated by different spectrophotometric, fluorescence and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that 1–6 complexes bind to CT-DNA through intercalation. The variation in binding affinities of these complexes is rationalised by a consideration of electrostatic, steric factors and nature of ancillary ligands. Under irradiation at 365 nm, the three complexes have also been found to promote the photocleavage of plasmid pBR 322 DNA. Inhibitor studies suggest that singlet oxygen (¹O₂) plays a significant role in the cleavage mechanism of Ru(II) complexes. Thereby, under comparable experimental conditions [Ru(phen)₂FIPC]²⁺(3), [Ru(phen)₂ClIPC]²⁺(6) cleaves DNA more effectively than 1, 2, 4 and 5 complexes do. The Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes (1–6) have been screened for antimicrobial activities.     

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     

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.