Visible light photoredox catalysis: aerobic oxidation of perimidines to perimidinones

Aerobic oxidation of a series of 2,3-dihydro-1H-perimidines to the corresponding 4- and 6-perimidinones via visible light photoredox catalysis using Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ as a catalyst was reported. The scope and limitation of this oxidation were investigated and a possible photochemical mechanism was proposed.     

Ligand Substitution of RuII–Alkylidenes to Ru(bpy)32+: Sequential Olefin Metathesis/Photoredox Catalysis

Ruthenium(II) alkylidene complexes such as the Grubbs’ 1st and 2nd generation catalysts undergo a ligand substitution with 2,2′-bipyridine, which readily leads to the common photoredox catalyst Ru(bpy)₃²⁺. The application of this catalyst transformation in sequential olefin metathesis/photoredox catalysis is demonstrated by way of ring-closing metathesis (RCM)/photoredox ATRA reactions.     

Unexpected effect of catalyst concentration on photochemical CO2 reduction by trans(Cl)–Ru(bpy)(CO)2Cl2: new mechanistic insight into the CO/HCOO– selectivity

Photochemical CO₂ reduction catalysed by trans(Cl)–Ru(bpy)(CO)₂Cl₂ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) efficiently produces carbon monoxide (CO) and formate (HCOO^–) in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA)/water containing [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ as a photosensitizer and 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide (BNAH) as an electron donor. We have unexpectedly found catalyst concentration dependence of the product ratio (CO/HCOO^–) in the photochemical CO₂ reduction: the ratio of CO/HCOO^– decreases with increasing catalyst concentration. The result has led us to propose a new mechanism in which HCOO^– is selectively produced by the formation of a Ru(i)–Ru(i) dimer as the catalyst intermediate. This reaction mechanism predicts that the Ru–Ru bond dissociates in the reaction of the dimer with CO₂, and that the insufficient electron supply to the catalyst results in the dominant formation of HCOO^–. The proposed mechanism is supported by the result that the time-course profiles of CO and HCOO^– in the photochemical CO₂ reduction catalysed by [Ru(bpy)(CO)₂Cl]₂ (0.05 mM) are very similar to those of the reduction catalysed by trans(Cl)–Ru(bpy)(CO)₂Cl₂ (0.10 mM), and that HCOO^– formation becomes dominant under low-intensity light. The kinetic analyses based on the proposed mechanism could excellently reproduce the unusual catalyst concentration effect on the product ratio. The catalyst concentration effect observed in the photochemical CO₂ reduction using [Ru(4dmbpy)₃]²⁺ (4dmbpy = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) instead of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ as the photosensitizer is also explained with the kinetic analyses, reflecting the smaller quenching rate constant of excited [Ru(4dmbpy)₃]²⁺ by BNAH than that of excited [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺. We have further synthesized trans(Cl)–Ru(6Mes-bpy)(CO)₂Cl₂ (6Mes-bpy = 6,6′-dimesityl-2,2′-bipyridine), which bears bulky substituents at the 6,6′-positions in the 2,2′-bipyridyl ligand, so that the ruthenium complex cannot form the dimer due to the steric hindrance. We have found that this ruthenium complex selectively produces CO, which strongly supports the catalytic mechanism proposed in this work.     

One-step immobilization of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) via vapor-surface sol-gel deposition towards solid-state electrochemiluminescence detection

A novel method for immobilization of tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)₃Cl₂) on electrode surfaces based on the vapor-surface sol-gel deposition strategy is first demonstrated in this paper. Ru(bpy)₃Cl₂ immobilized sol-gel (Ru(bpy)₃Cl₂/sol-gel) films were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and field-emitted scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). These results showed that Ru(bpy)₃Cl₂ was successfully incorporated into the silica sol-gel film. It was found that many irregular Ru(bpy)₃Cl₂/sol-gel clusters were formed on surfaces through one deposition and thick sol-gel films were observed after further deposition. Electrochemical properties and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) behaviors of Ru(bpy)₃Cl₂/sol-gel films could be easily adjusted by deposition numbers and time. At last, the Ru(bpy)₃Cl₂/sol-gel film modified electrode was used for solid-state ECL detection of tripropylamine. The linear range was from 5.8 × 10⁻⁸ to 2.4 × 10⁻⁴ M with the detection limit of 5 nM, which was three orders of magnitude lower than that from pure Nafion-modified electrodes. The ECL sensor also exhibited high stability, and still remained 92% response after being stored in air for 35 days. This method for immobilization of Ru(bpy)₃Cl₂ is simple, convenient and low-cost relative to others, so it shows promising applications in solid-state ECL detection.     

Photocatalytic degradation of chloroform by bis (bipyridine)dichlororuthenium(III/II)

Broadband (λ > 320 nm) irradiation of chloroform solutions of either [Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂] or [Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂]Cl exposed to air led to a photostationary state, in which [Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂]⁺ predominated, and to the continuous decomposition of CHCl₃, as evidenced by the accumulation of HCl, hydroperoxides (CCl₃OOH and CHCl₂OOH), and tetra-, penta-, and hexachloroethane. The addition of Cl^? increased the rate of photodecomposition, while the replacement of Cl^? by F^? greatly decreased the rate. The observations are consistent with a photocatalytic cycle in which [Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂]⁺ is photochemically reduced to [Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂], which is thermally reoxidized by CCl₃OO or CCl₃OOH. In the absence of air a much slower photodecomposition reaction takes place leading to continuously increasing concentrations of chloroethanes. The data are consistent with a catalytic cycle in which [Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂]⁺ is photoreduced, as in aerated solutions, while [Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂] is photooxidized with chloroform as the substrate.     

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.     

Efficiency of polymer sensitizer in photosensitized reaction of tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) complex-containing polymer

Photochemical properties of Ru(bpy)₂(poly-4-methyl-4′-vinyl-2,2′-bipyridine)Cl₂ ( 2 ) were studied and compared with that of Ru(bpy)₃Cl₂. Continuous irradiation of a solution, which contains polymer 2 as a photosensitizer, methylviologen (MV²⁺) or 4,4′-bipyridinium-1,1′-bis(trimethylenesulfonate) (SPV) as an electron acceptor and triethanolamine (TEOA) as a sacrificial donor, resulted in the formation of viologen radical ion (MV⁺ or SPV^?). The rate of formation of MV⁺ or SPV^? for the polymer 2 system was smaller than that for the Ru(bpy)₃ Cl₂ systems. The reason for this fact was kinetically analyzed by quenching experiments of excited Ru(II) complexes by MV²⁺ or SPV, the photosensitized reactions of the TEOA–Ru(II) complex–MV²⁺ or -SPV systems, and the dye laser photolysis of the Ru(II) complex–MV²⁺ or -SPV systems.     

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.     

A Water-Soluble Iridium Photocatalyst for Chemical Modification of Dehydroalanines in Peptides and Proteins

Dehydroalanine (Dha) residues are attractive noncanonical amino acids that occur naturally in ribosomally synthesised and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). Dha residues are attractive targets for selective late-stage modification of these complex biomolecules. In this work, we show the selective photocatalytic modification of dehydroalanine residues in the antimicrobial peptide nisin and in the proteins small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) and superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP). For this purpose, a new water-soluble iridium(III) photoredox catalyst was used. The design and synthesis of this new photocatalyst, [Ir(dF(CF₃)ppy)₂(dNMe₃bpy)]Cl₃, is presented. In contrast to commonly used iridium photocatalysts, this complex is highly water soluble and allows peptides and proteins to be modified in water and aqueous solvents under physiologically relevant conditions, with short reaction times and with low reagent and catalyst loadings. This work suggests that photoredox catalysis using this newly designed catalyst is a promising strategy to modify dehydroalanine-containing natural products and thus could have great potential for novel bioconjugation strategies.     

Construction and Characterization of Ru(II)Tris(bipyridine)‐Based Silica Thin Film Electrochemiluminescent Sensors

Ru(II) tris‐bipyridine based ECL sensors were produced by embedding the complex inside silica glass thin films deposited via a sol‐gel dipping procedure on K‐glass conducing substrates. Films were prepared starting from a pre‐hydrolyzed ethanolic solution of Si(OC₂H₅)₄ and Ru(bpy)₃Cl₂. Transparent, crack‐free and homogeneous reddish silica layers, having a thickness of 200±20 nm, were obtained. The films, either deposited at room temperature or thermally annealed at 100, 200 and 300 °C for 30 h, were structurally and chemically characterized. Ru(bpy)₃Cl₂ thermal stability was previously checked by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The films were investigated by X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and UV‐vis spectroscopy. XPS in‐depth profiles revealed a homogeneous distribution of the ruthenium complex inside the silica thin layers. SIMS data suggested that the embedded Ru(bpy)₃Cl₂ did not react with oxygen inside the oxygen‐rich silica matrix to give Ru‐O bonds. Electrochemical and ECL characterization of the thin film electrodes were made by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and controlled potential step experiments. The ECL sensor showed a diffusive redox behavior of the Ru(bpy)₃²⁺/Ru(bpy)₃³⁺ system. Light emission produced from the reaction between oxalic acid and the electrogenerated Ru(bpy)₃³⁺ was larger and stable when thermally treated electrodes were used after a suitable hydration period. The 300 °C treated sample was the best performing sensor both in terms of low complex leakage and sensitivity. Calibration plots relative to oxalic acid were obtained both in stationary and in flowing solutions in the concentration range 2×10^?6?3×10^?4 M. A linear behavior appeared in the former case, while in the latter a slight curvature was evident as a consequence of a finite diffusion time of the analyte inside the thin film. The signal repeatability, obtained by multiple 100 μL of 10^?5 M oxalic acid injections in flowing solutions, was better than 4%. The obtained detection limit (computed as three times the standard deviation of the base‐line noise) was 10^?6 M as oxalic acid.     

Photophysical Properties and Heterogeneous Photoredox Catalytic Activities of Ru(bpy)3@InBTB Metal–Organic Framework (MOF)

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with negatively charged frameworks are suitable for selectively encapsulating cationic guest ions via a cation-exchange process. Encapsulating photoactive [RuL₃]²⁺ polypyridine complexes into the preorganized mesoscale channels of a MOF is a good method for stabilizing the excited states of the complexes. Three new RuL₃@InBTB MOFs were prepared by encapsulating cationic [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine), [Ru(phen)₃]²⁺ (phen=1,10-phenanthroline), and [Ru(bpz)₃]²⁺ (bpz=2,2′-bipyrazine) into the mesopores of a three-dimensional (3D) InBTB MOF (H₃BTB=1,3,5-benzenetribenzoic acid). The photophysical properties of the resulting materials were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) analysis. The photoredox catalytic activities were also investigated for the aza-Henry reaction, hydrogenation of dimethyl maleate, and decomposition of methyl orange under visible light irradiation at room temperature. RuL₃@InBTB MOFs were found to be very stable and highly recyclable photoredox catalytic systems.     

TEMPO‐Mediated Oxidation of Primary Alcohols to Aldehydes under Visible Light and Air

A homogeneous visible light photoredox TEMPO‐mediated selective oxidation of primary alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl compounds was developed using molecular oxygen from air as the terminal oxidant. Ru(bpy)₃(PF₆)₂ (bpy: bipyridyl) and Ir(dtb‐bpy)(ppy)₂(PF₆) (dtb‐bpy: 4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl; ppy: 2‐phenylpyridine) were used as the sensitizers.     

NO donors cis-[Ru(bpy)2(L)NO] and [Fe(CN)4(L)NO] complexes immobilized on modified mesoporous silica spheres

The reaction of [Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂] and Na₂[Fe(CN)₄(dmso)₂] complexes with isonicotinic acid immobilized on silica spheres (Si-ATPS-ISN) followed by a NO bubbling produced Si-ATPS-ISN-[Ru(bpy)₂(NO)] (system I) and Si-ATPS-ISN-[Fe(CN)₄(NO)] (system II). The characterization of these systems was carried out by UV–Vis, FTIR spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques. As judged by the FTIR data, the nitric oxide ligand has an NO⁺ character in both systems (ν(NO⁺): 1938 cm⁻¹). The NO release, which was monitored by means of FTIR, electrochemistry, and NO sensor electrode, was observed for both systems upon white light irradiation and chemical reduction by cysteine. These results indicated that the system (II) presents a higher potential for controlled NO release. The characterization (FTIR and UV–Vis) of the systems after the NO release suggested the formation of the aqua systems ATPS-ISN-[Ru(bpy)₂(OH₂)] and ATPS-ISN-[Ru(bpy)₂(OH₂)].     

Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Radical Alkenylation of α‐Carbonyl Alkyl Bromides and Benzyl Bromides

Through the use of [Ru(bpy)₃Cl₂] (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) and [Ir(ppy)₃] (ppy=phenylpyridine) as photocatalysts, we have achieved the first example of visible‐light photocatalytic radical alkenylation of various α‐carbonyl alkyl bromides and benzyl bromides to furnish α‐vinyl carbonyls and allylbenzene derivatives, prominent structural elements of many bioactive molecules. Specifically, this transformation is regiospecific and can tolerate primary, secondary, and even tertiary alkyl halides that bear β‐hydrides, which can be challenging with traditional palladium‐catalyzed approaches. The key initiation step of this transformation is visible‐light‐induced single‐electron reduction of C? Br bonds to generate alkyl radical species promoted by photocatalysts. The following carbon? carbon bond‐forming step involves a radical addition step rather than a metal‐mediated process, thereby avoiding the undesired β‐hydride elimination side reaction. Moreover, we propose that the Ru and Ir photocatalysts play a dual role in the catalytic system: they absorb energy from the visible light to facilitate the reaction process and act as a medium of electron transfer to activate the alkyl halides more effectively. Overall, this photoredox catalysis method opens new synthetic opportunities for the efficient alkenylation of alkyl halides that contain β‐hydrides under mild conditions.     

Electrochemical Properties of a Rhodium(III) Mono-Terpyridyl Complex and Use as a Catalyst for Light-Driven Hydrogen Evolution in Water

Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is considered one of the most promising fuels to decarbonize the industrial and transportation sectors, and its photocatalytic production from molecular catalysts is a research field that is still abounding. The search for new molecular catalysts for H₂ production with simple and easily synthesized ligands is still ongoing, and the terpyridine ligand with its particular electronic and coordination properties, is a good candidate to design new catalysts meeting these requirements. Herein, we have isolated the new mono-terpyridyl rhodium complex, [Rh^III(tpy)(CH₃CN)Cl₂](CF₃SO₃) (Rh-tpy), and shown that it can act as a catalyst for the light-induced proton reduction into H₂ in water in the presence of the [Ru(bpy)₃]Cl₂ (Ru) photosensitizer and ascorbate as sacrificial electron donor. Under photocatalytic conditions, in acetate buffer at pH 4.5 with 0.1 M of ascorbate and 530 μM of Ru, the Rh-tpy catalyst produces H₂ with turnover number versus catalyst (TON_Cat*) of 300 at a Rh concentration of 10 μM, and up to 1000 at a concentration of 1 μM. The photocatalytic performance of Ru/Rh-tpy/HA^–/H₂A has been also compared with that obtained with the bis-dimethyl-bipyridyl complex [Rh^III(dmbpy)₂Cl₂]⁺ (Rh2) as a catalyst in the same experimental conditions. The investigation of the electrochemical properties of Rh-tpy in DMF solvent reveals that the two-electrons reduced state of the complex, the square-planar [Rh^I(tpy)Cl] (Rh^I-tpy), is quantitatively electrogenerated by bulk electrolysis. This complex is stable for hours under an inert atmosphere owing to the π-acceptor property of the terpyridine ligand that stabilizes the low oxidation states of the rhodium, making this catalyst less prone to degrade during photocatalysis. The π-acceptor property of terpyridine also confers to the Rh-tpy catalyst a moderately negative reduction potential (Ep_c(Rh^III/Rh^I) = −0.83 V vs. SCE in DMF), making possible its reduction by the reduced state of Ru, [Ru^II(bpy)(bpy^•−)]⁺ (Ru⁻) (E_1/2(Ru^II/Ru⁻) = −1.50 V vs. SCE) generated by a reductive quenching of the Ru excited state (*Ru) by ascorbate during photocatalysis. A Stern–Volmer plot and transient absorption spectroscopy confirmed that the first step of the photocatalytic process is the reductive quenching of *Ru by ascorbate. The resulting reduced Ru species (Ru⁻) were then able to activate the Rh^III-tpy H₂-evolving catalyst by reduction generating Rh^I-tpy, which can react with a proton on a sub-nanosecond time scale to form a Rh^III(H)-tpy hydride, the key intermediate for H₂ evolution.     

Preparation and photoluminescence characteristics of polysiloxane pendant tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium (II) complex

Polysiloxanes containing pendant tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) complex (Ru(bpy)3²⁺) were prepared by reaction of polysiloxane-pendant 2,2′-bipyridine (PSiO-bpy) with cis-Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂. In methanol solution, the polymer pendant Ru(bpy)3²⁺ showed absorption maximum at 456nm and emission maximum at around 609nm, both of which are shifted to longer wavelength than the monomeric Ru(bpy)₃²⁺. The lifetime τ₀ of the excited polymer complex with low Ru(bpy)3²⁺ content was almost the same as that of the monomeric one in methanol (830ns), but τ₀ of the polymer with higher complex content was shorter because of a concentration quenching. In a solid state, τ₀ was much shorter (306–503ns) than that in a methanol solution contrary to the conventional polymeric system. Higher complex content in the polymer film caused higher glass transition temperature (Tg), but shorter τ₀. These results indicate concentration quenching in the polymer film. The excited polymer pendant Ru(bpy)3²⁺ was quenched by oxygen, and the relative emission intensity followed the Stern-Volmer equation. In a methanol solution the quenching rate constant (k_q) was the same order of magnitude as the monomeric complex, and independent of the complex content in the polymer. In a film, k_q was higher for the polymer with higher complex content.     

Ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes based on bipyridine and two novel diimine ligands with carrier-transporting unit: synthesis, photoluminescence and redox properties

A series of ruthenium (II) complexes, [Ru(bpy)₂L]X₂ (L = L1, L2; X = Cl⁻, PF₆⁻, SCN⁻), were synthesized based on bipyridine and two novel diimine ligands L1 and L2 (L1 = 1-(4-5′-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolylphenyl)-2-pyridinyl-benzoimidazole, L2 = 1-(4-carbazolylphenyl)-2-pyridinylbenzimidazole); and the crystal structure of [Ru(bpy)₂L1]Cl₂ was also described. [Ru(bpy)₂(Pybm)]X₂ (Pybm = 2-(2-pyridine)benzimidazole) complexes were also prepared as reference samples. In the UV-vis absorption spectra there are one strong π → π* transition and two dπ (Ru) → π* transitions. By comparisons of photoluminescence properties between [Ru(bpy)₂L]X (L = L1, L2) and the reference complexes we find that the complexes with carrier-transporting groups of carbazole and oxadizole have the higher emission intensity and quantum efficiency. One reversible oxidation process in the range 0.80-1.00 V exists in each of the complexes which is assigned to the metal oxidation, [Ru(III)(bpy)₂L]²⁺ + e⁻?[Ru(II)(bpy)₂L]⁺.     

Preparation and photochemistry of macromolecular bound ruthenium(II) complexes in aqueous solutions

Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes with macromolecular ligands poly(methylolacrylamide-co-vinylpyridine) and poly (acrylamide-co-vinylpyridine) have been synthesized. The macromolecular ruthenium (II) complexes which are soluble in water have been characterized and their absorption and emission properties have been studied in aqueous solution. Photolysis of the complex in aqueous solution leads to photoaquation reactions with release of coordinated pyridines of the polymer. In the case of monomeric complex, cis-[Ru(bpy)₂(py)₂]Cl₂, photolysis in water in presence of Cl^? ions produces only the substitution of the pyridine by water whereas in the polymeric complexes, [Ru(bpy)₂(MAAM-co-VP)₂]Cl₂ photolysis in the presence of chloride produces [Ru(bpy)₂(MAAM-co-VP)Cl]Cl and [Ru(bpy)₂(AM-co-VP)Cl]Cl, respectively. Quantum yields for the photosubstitution reactions have been determined and mechanistic details are outlined.     

Regulation of electron donating ability to metal center: isolation and characterization of ruthenium carbonyl complexes with N,N- and/or N,O-donor polypyridyl ligands

Polypyridyl ruthenium(II) dicarbonyl complexes with an N,O- and/or N,N-donor ligand, [Ru(pic)(CO)₂Cl₂]⁻ (1), [Ru(bpy)(pic)(CO)₂]⁺ (2), [Ru(pic)₂(CO)₂] (3), and [Ru(bpy)₂(CO)₂]²⁺ (4) (pic=2-pyridylcarboxylato, bpy=2,2′-bipyridine) were prepared for comparison of the electron donor ability of these ligands to the ruthenium center. A carbonyl group of [Ru(L1)(L2)(CO)₂]ⁿ (L1, L2=bpy, pic) successively reacted with one and two equivalents of OH⁻ to form [Ru(L1)(L2)(CO)(C(O)OH)]ⁿ⁻¹ and [Ru(L1)(L2)(CO)(CO₂)]ⁿ⁻². These three complexes exist as equilbrium mixtures in aqueous solutions and the equilibrium constants were determined potentiometrically. Electrochemical reduction of 2 in CO₂-saturated CH₃CN–H₂O at −1.5 V selectively produced CO.     

A water-soluble Wilkinson's complex as homogeneous catalyst for the photochemical reduction of water

A water-soluble Wilkinson's complex, chlorotris(diphenylphosphinobenzene-m-sulphonate)rhodium(I) (Rh^ICl(dpm)₃³⁻), was examined as a homogeneous catalyst for the reduction of water coupled with the photoreaction of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ using ascorbic acid as a sacrificial electron donor. A high quantum yield of H₂ (440 nm), i.e. 0.30, was obtained at pH 5. This value was found to be limited by the photochemical generation of Ru(bpy)₃⁺, indicating that the catalytic process maintained by the rhodium complex is almost quantitative. Studies by cyclic voltammetry, laser flash photolysis and pulse radiolysis revealed the catalysis mechanism which involves a Rh(II)-hydride species.