Identification of the [(bpy)2Ru(Im)(H2O)]2+ complex as an reaction intermediate by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Summary The synthesis of the complex (bpy)₂Ru(Im)₂]²⁺ (bpy=2,2-bipyridine; Im=imidazole) has been monitored by reversed-phase HPLC. The analytical results obtained during the reaction have shown that it is feasible to identify and isolate the (bpy)₂RuIm(H₂O)]²⁺ complex as a reaction intermediate. The optimization of the synthetic procedures for these two species has been established and the compounds have been obtained in high purity. The use of HPLC has enabled complete analytical control of the synthesis of the (bpy)₂RuL₂]²⁺ class of compounds, enabling the identification of reaction intermediates.