Synthesis and characterization of ruthenium(II) phenanthroline complexes containing quaternary amine substituents

A series of mixed-ligand complexes of ruthenium(II) containing 5-methylphenanthroline and trimethylamino-5-methylphenanthroline have been synthesized to investigate the impact of the quaternary amine on the photophysical properties. Thermal stability studies indicate that the quaternary amine is stable with respect to hydrolysis. Mass spectral analysis of the complexes revealed only fragments consistent with homolytic cleavage of the amines and no parent ions were observed. Both electrochemical and photophysical investigations indicate that the quaternary amine has little or no impact on the properties of the complex when compared to complexes lacking the amine.