Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding and cleavage studies of chiral Ru(II) salen complexes

Interaction of chiral Ru(II) salen complexes (S)-1 and (R)-1 with Calf Thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was studied by absorption spectroscopy, competitive binding study, viscosity measurements, CD measurements, thermal denaturation study and cleavage studies by agarose gel electrophoresis. The DNA binding affinity of (S)-1 (6.25 × 10³ M⁻¹) was found to be greater than (R)-1 (3.0 × 10³ M⁻¹). The antimicrobial studies of these complexes on five different gram (+)/(−) bacteria and three different fungal organisms showed selective inhibition of the growth of gram (+) bacteria and were not affective against gram (−) and fungal organisms. Further, the (S)-1 enantiomer inhibited the growth of organisms to a greater extent as compared to (R)-1 enantiomer.     

Synthesis and characterization of Ru(II)-DMSO-Cl-chalcone complexes: DNA binding, nuclease, and topoisomerase II inhibitory activity

The complexes of type cis-[Ru(S-DMSO)(3)(R-CO-CH═CH-R')Cl] (R = 2-hydroxyphenyl for all, R' = phenyl 1, naphthyl 2, anthracenyl 3, thiophene 4, 3-methyl thiophene 5) are synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic (IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR, and UV-vis) and single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Their crystal structures show the formation of both intermolecular and intramolecular H-bonding. The molecular assembly of complex 5 using secondary interactions provides a butterfly structure. The binding of complexes with calf thymus DNA is monitored using UV-vis spectral titrations. The binding interaction of complexes 1, 2, and 3 with DNA increases with increasing conjugation of aromatic rings. However, complexes 4 and 5 interact with DNA strongly. The emission from ethidium bromide (EB) bound DNA recorded in phosphate buffer solution (pH = 7.2) decreases by incremental addition of solution of the complexes. The complexes 4 and 5 (100 μM) bind with the minor groove of DNA and cleave double-stranded pBR322 DNA significantly even in the absence of an activator. In the presence of H(2)O(2), they cleave supercoiled DNA via oxidative pathway even at lower concentration (20 μM). Both complexes 4 and 5 inhibit topoisomerase II activity with IC(50) values of 18 and 13. These values suggest that 4 and 5 are potential topoisomerase II inhibitors as compared to some of known inhibitors like novobiocin and etoposide.     

Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding and cytotoxicity studies of moxifloxacinato complexes

Five metal complexes of the third-generation quinolone antibacterial agent moxifloxacin with Cu(II), Fe(III), Mn(II), Ni(II) and VO(II) have been synthesized and characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques. In these complexes, moxifloxacin acts as a bidentate deprotonated ligand bound to the metal through ketone and carboxylate oxygens. The interactions between the metal complexes and calf thymus DNA have been studied by UV?CVis, circular dichroism and cyclic voltammetry. Fluorescence competitive binding studies with ethidium bromide (EB) demonstrate the ability of the complexes to displace the EB bound to DNA. The cytotoxicities of the complexes have been evaluated on A549 cells by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) method. [Cu(MFL)₂(H₂O)₂] shows the highest anticancer potency. The apoptosis-inducing activity was assessed by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining assay.     

Synthesis and study of the spectroscopic and redox properties of Ru(II),Pt(II) mixed-metal complexes bridged by 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine

The mixed-metal supramolecular complexes [(tpy)Ru(tppz)PtCl](PF6)3 and [ClPt(tppz)Ru(tppz)PtCl](PF6)4 (tpy = 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine and tppz = 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine) were synthesized and characterized. These complexes contain ruthenium bridged by tppz to platinum centers to form stereochemically defined linear assemblies. X-ray crystallographic determinations of the two complexes confirm the identity of the metal complexes and reveal intermolecular interactions of the Pt sites in the solid state for [(tpy)Ru(tppz)PtCl](PF6)3 with a Pt...Pt distance of 3.3218(5) A. The (1)H NMR spectra show the expected splitting patterns characteristic of stereochemically defined mixed-metal systems and are assigned with the use of (1)H-(1)H COSY and NOESY. Electronic absorption spectroscopy displays intense ligand-based pi --> pi* transitions in the UV and MLCT transitions in the visible. Electrochemically [(tpy)Ru(tppz)PtCl](PF6)3 and [ClPt(tppz)Ru(tppz)PtCl](PF6)4 display reversible Ru (II/III) couples at 1.63 and 1.83 V versus Ag/AgCl, respectively. The complexes display very low potential tppz (0/-) and tppz(-/2-) couples, relative to their monometallic synthons, [(tpy)Ru(tppz)](PF6)2 and [Ru(tppz)2](PF6)2, consistent with the bridging coordination of the tppz ligand. The Ru(dpi) --> tppz(pi*) MLCT transitions are also red-shifted relative to the monometallic synthons occurring in the visible centered at 530 and 538 nm in CH3CN for [(tpy)Ru(tppz)PtCl](PF6)3 and [ClPt(tppz)Ru(tppz)PtCl](PF6)4, respectively. The complex [(tpy)Ru(tppz)PtCl](PF6)3 displays a barely detectable emission from the Ru(dpi) --> tppz(pi*) (3)MLCT in CH 3CN solution at RT. In contrast, [ClPt(tppz)Ru(tppz)PtCl](PF6)4 displays an intense emission from the Ru(dpi) --> tppz(pi*) (3)MLCT state at RT with lambda max(em) = 754 nm and tau = 80 ns.     

Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding and cleavage properties and anticancer studies of ruthenium(III) Schiff base complexes

A Schiff base (HL) has been synthesized and characterized by physico-chemical, spectroscopic and X-ray crystallography studies. Three of its Ru(III) complexes were synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectroscopic studies. The DNA binding properties of HL and its Ru(III) complexes have been investigated by electronic absorption spectroscopy. Also, HL and its Ru(III) complex [RuCl₂(AsPh₃)L] were tested for DNA cleavage properties. The results showed that the complex cleaves DNA more rapidly than the free ligand. Further, an in vitro study of the cytotoxicity of HL and the complex [RuCl₂(AsPh₃)L] was carried out.     

Photochemical properties of mixed-metal supramolecular complexes

We have prepared a series of mixed-metal trimetallic complexes of the form {[(bpy)₂Ru(BL)]₂MCl₂}ⁿ⁺(bpy 2,2′-bipyridine; BL 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine (dpp), 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)quinoxaline (dpq) or 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)-benzoquinozaline (dpb); M Ir(III), Rh(III) or Os(II). This new class of trimetallic complexes can be prepared with a good yield, often as high as 95%, using our building block strategy. The central rhodium and iridium fragments of these trimetallic, namely [M(BL)₂Cl₂]⁺, have been shown in our laboratory to be capable of delivering multiple electrons, “stored” on the bridging ligand π* orbitals, to a substrate as they functioned as electrocatalysts for the reduction of carbon dioxide to formate. The two terminal ruthenium metals are good light absorbers designed to give rise to photochemical activity. These bichromophoric systems should be capable of absorbing two photons of light, each giving rise to a desired photochemical reaction, namely excited-state electron transfer. Thus these systems form the basis of a molecular device for photoinitiated electron collection. The properties of these supramolecular complexes have been tuned by variation in the central metal and bridging ligand. Comparison of this array of nine complexes is described herein.     

Synthesis,characterization, DNA binding,cytotoxicity and molecular docking properties of three novel butterfly-like complexes with nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ligands

Three novel complexes, namely [Nd·L₁·HCOO·(H₂O)₄] ( 1 ), [Pr·L₁·HCOO·(H₂O)₄] ( 2 ) and [In·L₂·Cl·(H₂O)₂] ( 3 ) (L₁ = 1,1-bis(5-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methane, L₂ = 1,1-bis(5-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)ketone), were synthesized and characterized. The molecular structures of 1 – 3 were confirmed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All three obtained complexes are zero-dimensional and connected to each other by hydrogen bonds. In 1 and 2 the metal is surrounded by nine donors and 3 has seven coordination sites. The interaction of 1 – 3 with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was explored using UV absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra. The intrinsic binding constants of 1 – 3 with CT-DNA are about 1.9 × 10⁴, 1.4 × 10⁴ and 1.1 × 10⁴, respectively. Stern–Volmer quenching plots of 1 – 3 have slopes of 0.1508, 0.134 and 0.1205, respectively. The ability of these complexes to cleave pBR322 plasmid DNA was demonstrated using gel electrophoresis assay. Apoptosis studies of the three novel complexes showed a significant inhibitory effect on HeLa cells. Furthermore, MTT assays were used to evaluate the anticancer activity of the three complexes. The cytotoxicity study indicated that complex 1 possesses a higher inhibitory rate of HeLa cells than the other complexes. Especially, the efficacy of 1 was shown to be the highest for cisplatin at 24 h. A further molecular docking technique was introduced to understand the binding of the complexes toward the target DNA.     

Synthesis, structure, redox properties and azide binding for a series of biphenyl-based Cu(II) complexes

A series of biphenyl-based N(3)O ligands, 2, 4, 6, and 8 were synthesized and their Cu(II) complexes prepared. These complexes were characterized by a combination of elemental analysis, FAB-MS, UV-vis spectroscopy and electrochemistry. The structure of [Cu(N(3)O-mpy-NO2)Cl2], 12 [N(3)O-mpy = 2-(3-pyridylmethylimino)-2'-(2-methylaminophenol)biphenyl], was solved and showed that the ligand coordinates through the three nitrogens with the phenol oxygen uncoordinated. Titration of azide anion into solutions of the complexes in methanol resulted in the appearance of a new band between 485-495 nm at the expense of the starting peak at 380 nm. Cyclic voltammetry studies indicated that the complexes undergo quasi-reversible one-electron reductions in acetonitrile at potentials between 0.13-0.58 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The complexes were found to be weakly active for the oxidation of di-tert-butyl catechol (DTBC).     

Synthesis,characterization, and DNA binding of two copper(II) complexes as DNA fluorescent probes

[Cu(DAPT)₂Cl]Cl·H₂O and [Cu(DBM)(DAPT)Cl] [DAPT = 2,4-diamine-6-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine] were synthesized and characterized by IR and UV spectroscopy, elemental analysis, TG–DTA, molar conductivity, and LC–MS. The interaction with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) of the two complexes has been studied using UV spectra, fluorescent spectra, cyclic voltammetry, and viscosity measurements. The complexes interact with ct-DNA through classical intercalation. Fluorescence intensity changes of 1 and 2 in the absence and presence of ct-DNA have been investigated for quantitative determination of ct-DNA with the limit of detection of 3.8 and 7.7 ng mL^?1, respectively. From the result, the two complexes are potentially sensitive DNA fluorescent probes.     

Synthesis, structures and properties of a new series of platinum-diimine-dithiolate complexes

The new square-planar platinum-diimine-dithiolate compounds [Pt(mesBIAN)SS] have been synthesised {mesBIAN = bis(mesityl)biazanaphthenequinone; SS = 1,2-dithiooxalate (dto) , maleonitriledithiolate (mnt) , 1,2-benzenedithiolate (bdt) , 3,4-toluenedithiolate (tdt) and 1,3-dithia-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate (dmit) }, and the X-ray crystal structures of and determined. Cyclic voltammetry reveals that all the compounds form stable anions, and ESR spectroscopy of these anions shows that the SOMO is based upon the mesBIAN ligand; compounds also show a reversible oxidation wave in their CV. Computational studies reveal that charge-transfer processes from orbitals that are combinations of metal and dithiolate ligand to a mesBIAN pi-based LUMO are responsible for the low energy absorptions seen in the UV/visible spectra of these compounds, and that the reverse process is responsible for the observed room-temperature solution luminescence of [Pt(mesBIAN)Cl(2)] and , and . Compounds and , containing aromatic thiolates, were not found to luminesce under the same conditions. Resonance Raman experiments have shown the origin of band-broadening of the lowest-energy absorption band in the absorption spectra of to be due to vibronic structure within one electronic transition.     

Ni, Pd, Pt, and Ru complexes of phosphine-borate ligands

The species Cy(2)PHC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2) reacts with Pt(PPh(3))(4) to yield the new product cis-(PPh(3))(2)PtH(Cy(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2)) 1 via oxidative addition of the P-H bond of the phosphonium borate to Pt(0). The corresponding reaction with Pd(PPh(3))(4) affords the Pd analogue of 1, namely, cis-(PPh(3))(2)PdH(Cy(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2)) 3; while modification of the phosphonium borate gave the salt [(PPh(3))(3)PtH][(tBu(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2))] 2. Alternatively initial deprotonation of the phosphonium borate gave [tBu(3)PH][Cy(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2)] 4, [SIMesH][Cy(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2)] 5 which reacted with NiCl(2)(DME) yielding [BaseH](2)[trans-Cl(2)Ni(Cy(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2))(2)] (Base = tBu(3)P 6, SIMes 7) or with PdCl(2)(PhCN)(2) to give [BaseH](2)[trans-Cl(2)Pd(Cy(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2))(2)] (Base = tBu(3)P 8, SIMes 9). While [C(10)H(6)N(2)(Me)(4)H][tBu(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2)] 10 was also prepared. A third strategy for formation of a metal complex of anionic phosphine-borate derivatives was demonstrated in the reaction of (COD)PtMe(2) with the neutral phosphine-borane Mes(2)PC(6)F(4)B(C(6)F(5))(2) affording (COD)PtMe(Mes(2)PC(6)F(4)BMe(C(6)F(5))(2)) 11. Extension of this reactivity to tBu(2)PH(CH(2))(4)OB(C(6)F(5))(3)) was demonstrated in the reaction with Pt(PPh(3))(4) which yielded cis-(PPh(3))(2)PtH(tBu(2)P(CH(2))(4)OB(C(6)F(5))(3)) 12, while the reaction of [SIMesH][tBu(2)P(CH(2))(4)OB(C(6)F(5))(3)] 13 with NiCl(2)(DME) and PdCl(2)(PhCN)(2) afforded the complexes [SIMesH](2)[trans-Cl(2)Ni(tBu(2)PC(4)H(8)OB(C(6)F(5))(3))(2)] 14 and [SIMesH](2)[trans-PdCl(2)(tBu(2)P(CH(2))(4)OB(C(6)F(5))(3))(2)] 15, respectively, analogous to those prepared with 4 and 5. Finally, the reaction of 7 and 13with [(p-cymene)RuCl(2)](2) proceeds to give the new orange products [SIMesH][(p-cymene)RuCl(2)(Cy(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2))] 16 and [SIMesH][(p-cymene)RuCl(2)(tBu(2)P(CH(2))(4)OB(C(6)F(5))(3))] 17, respectively. Crystal structures of 1, 6, 10, 11, 12, and 16 are reported.     

Synthesis, characterization, and photoresponsive properties of a series of Mo(IV)-Cu(II) complexes

Six Mo(IV)-Cu(II) complexes, [Cu(tpa)](2)[Mo(CN)(8)]·15H(2)O (1, tpa = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine), [Cu(tren)](2)[Mo(CN)(8)]·5.25H(2)O (2, tren = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine), [Cu(en)(2)][Cu(0.5)(en)][Cu(0.5)(en)(H(2)O)][Mo(CN)(8)]·4H(2)O (3, en = ethylenediamine), [Cu(bapa)](3)[Mo(CN)(8)](1.5)·12.5H(2)O (4, bapa = bis(3-aminopropyl)amine), [Cu(bapen)](2)[Mo(CN)(8)]·4H(2)O (5, bapen = N,N'-bis(3-aminopropyl)ethylenediamine), and [Cu(pn)(2)][Cu(pn)][Mo(CN)(8)]·3.5H(2)O (6, pn = 1,3-diaminopropane), were synthesized and characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses show that 1-6 have different structures varying from trinuclear clusters (1-2), a one-dimensional belt (3), two-dimensional grids (4-5), to a three-dimensional structure (6). Magnetic and ESR measurements suggest that 1-6 exhibit thermally reversible photoresponsive properties on UV light irradiation through a Mo(IV)-to-Cu(II) charge transfer mechanism. A trinuclear compound [Cu(II)(tpa)](2)[Mo(V)(CN)(8)](ClO(4)) (7) was synthesized as a model of the photoinduced intermediate.     

Metal complexes of chalcone analogue: Synthesis,characterization, DNA binding,molecular docking and antimicrobial evaluation

A novel chalcone, namely 5‐(4‐(dimethylamino)phenyl)‐1‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)penta‐2,4‐dien‐1‐one, DMATP, and its complexes with nickel(II), vanadium(III), palladium(II) and platinum(II) metal ions were synthesized and characterized using a set of chemical and spectroscopic tools including elemental analysis, electrical conductance, magnetic susceptibility and spectral techniques. The interactions of the synthesized chalcone and its metal complexes with DNA were studied using steady‐state absorption and emission techniques as well as viscosity and electrochemical measurements. The obtained results confirm DNA intercalation. Additionally, theoretical studies were performed for all the investigated compounds using DFT/B3LYP calculations. The optimized geometries are found to be in good agreement with the suggested experimental structures. The bond lengths, bond angles, chemical reactivity, energy components, binding energy and dipole moment were evaluated. Also, theoretical infrared intensities and thermodynamic parameters for all compounds were calculated. Molecular docking calculations show that the Ni(II) complex exhibits the highest DNA binding activity, which agrees well with the experimental results. Finally, the compounds were screened for antimicrobial activity using several microorganisms.     

Synthesis,characterization and DNA-binding properties of Ru(II) complexes coordinated by ofloxacin as potential antitumor agents

Three Ru complexes coordinated by oxfloxacin, [Ru(L)₂(OFX)]Cl·2H₂O (L = bpy, 1; dmbpy, 2; phen, 3; and OFX = ofloxacin), were synthesized and characterized. These complexes can inhibit the growth of cervical cancer HeLa cells efficiently. Furthermore, these three complexes exhibited excellent binding affinities with DNA, as confirmed by spectroscopy methods and viscosity experiments. Therefore, the synthesized Ru(II) complexes have excellent DNA-binding abilities with potential applications in cancer chemotherapy.     

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.     

Synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties of a series of cyano-bridged Fe-Mn bimetallic complexes

The preparation and crystal structures of five cyano-bridged Fe-Mn complexes, [(bipy)2Fe(II)(CN)2Mn(II)(bipy)2]2(ClO4)4 (1), [(bipy)2Fe(II)(CN)2Mn(II)(DMF)3(H2O)]2(ClO4)4 (2), {[(Tp)Fe(III)(CN)3]2Mn(II)(DMF)2(H2O)}2 (3), {[(Tp)Fe(III)(CN)3]2Mn(II)(DMF)2}n (4), and Na2[Mn(II)Fe(II)(CN)6] (5) (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine, Tp = tris(pyrazolyl)hydroborate), are reported here. Compounds 1-4 contain the basic Fe2(CN)4Mn2 square building units, of which 1-3 show the motif of discrete molecular squares of Fe2(CN)4Mn2 and 4 possesses a 1D double-zigzag chain-like structure, while compound 5 is a 3D cubic framework analogous to that of Prussian blue. Compounds 1 and 2 show weak ferromagnetic interactions between two Mn(II) ions through the bent -NC-Fe(II)-CN- bridges. Compound 3 shows weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the Fe(III) and Mn(II) ions, while compound 4 displays a metamagnetic-like behavior with TN = 5.2 K and Hc = 10.5 kOe. Compound 5 exhibits a ferromagnetic ordering with Tc= 3.5 K, coercive field, Hc, = 330 G, and a remnant magnetization of 503 cm3 Oe mol(-1).     

Synthesis,characterization, and transfer hydrogenation of Ru(II)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes

A new series of ruthenium(II) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes [RuL^1,2,3(p-cymene)Cl₂] (3a–c) (where L is a N-heterocyclic carbene), have been synthesized via transmetalation. The new ruthenium(II)-NHC complexes were applied to transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone derivatives and aldehydes using 2-propanol as a hydrogen source and KOH as a co-catalyst. The results show that the corresponding alcohols could be obtained in good yield with high catalyst activity (up to 100%) under mild conditions. [RuL¹(p-cymene)Cl₂] (3a) is much more active than the other complexes in transfer hydrogenation. Reactions, catalyzed by 3a–c, showed the highest reaction rates and yields of alcohol when the substrates bear more electron-withdrawing substituents. All new compounds were characterized by IR, elemental analysis, LC–MS (ESI), and NMR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis, characterization, and photophysical properties of a series of supramolecular mixed-valence compounds

The synthesis and characterization of 10 cyano-bridged trinuclear mixed-valence compounds of the form [(NH3)5M-NC-FeII(CN)4-CN-M'(NH3)5]n+ (M = RuIII, OsIII, CrIII, or PtIV; n = 2, 3, or 4) is reported. The electronic spectra of these supramolecular compounds exhibit a single intervalent (IT) absorption band for each nondegenerate Fe-->M/M' transition. The redox potential of the Fe(II) center is shifted more positive with the addition of each coordinated metal complex, while the redox potentials of the pendant metals vary only slightly from their dinuclear counterparts. As a result, the Fe-->M IT bands are blue-shifted from those in the corresponding dinuclear mixed-valence compounds. The energies of these IT bands show a linear correlation with the ground-state thermodynamic driving force, as predicted by classical electron transfer theory. Estimates of the degree of electronic coupling (Hab) between the metal centers using a theoretical analysis of the IT band shapes indicate that most of these values are similar to those for the corresponding dinuclear species. Notable exceptions occur for the Fe-->M IT transitions in Os-Fe-M (M = Cr or Pt). The enhanced electronic coupling in these two species can be explained as a result of excited state mixing between electron transfer and/or ligand-based charge transfer states and an intensity-borrowing mechanism. Additionally, the possibility of electronic coupling between the remote metal centers in the Ru-Fe-Ru species is discussed in order to explain the observation of two closely spaced redox waves for the degenerate Ru(III) acceptors.