New Ruthenium(II) Complexes Functionalized with Coumarin Derivatives: Synthesis,Energy‐Transfer‐Based Sensing of Esterase,Cytotoxicity, and Imaging Studies

Two new bichromophoric ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(bpy)₂(bpy‐CM)](PF₆)₂ and [Ru(bpy)₂(bpy‐CM343)](PF₆)₂ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, CM=coumarin) with appended coumarin ligands have been designed and synthesized. The energy‐transfer‐based sensing of esterase by the complexes has been studied by using UV/Vis and luminescence spectroscopic methods. The cytotoxicity and the cellular uptake of one of the complexes have also been investigated.     

Increased Water Reduction Efficiency of Polyelectrolyte‐Bound Trimetallic [Ru,Rh,Ru] Photocatalysts in Air‐Saturated Aqueous Solutions

The groundbreaking use of polyelectrolytes to increase the efficiency of supramolecular photocatalysts in solar H₂ production schemes under aqueous aerobic conditions is reported. Supramolecular photocatalysts of the architecture [{(TL)₂Ru(BL)}₂RhX₂]⁵⁺ (BL=bridging ligand, TL=terminal ligand, X=halide) demonstrate high efficiencies in deoxygenated organic solvents but do not function in air‐saturated aqueous solution because of the quenching of the metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (MLCT) excited state under these conditions. The new photocatalytic system incorporates poly(4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS) into aqueous solutions containing [{(bpy)₂Ru(dpp)}₂RhCl₂]⁵⁺ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, dpp=2,3‐bis(2‐pyridyl)pyrazine). PSS has a profound impact on the photocatalyst efficiency, increasing H₂ production over three times that of deoxygenated aqueous solutions alone. H₂ photocatalysis proceeds even under aerobic conditions for PSS‐containing solutions, an exciting consequence for solar hydrogen‐production research.     

Hetero‐ and homo‐leptic Ru(II) catalyzed synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2; Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization and electrochemical properties

Based on the a ligand BDPPZ [(9a,13a‐dihydro‐4,5,9,14‐tetraaza‐benzo[b]triphenylene‐11‐yl)‐phenyl‐methanone] (1) and its polypyridyl hetero‐ and homoleptic Ru(II) metal complexes, [Ru(bpy)₂L](PF₆)₂ (2), [Ru(phen)₂L](PF₆)₂ (3), [Ru(dafo)₂L](PF₆)₂ (4), [Ru(dcbpy)₂L](PF₆)₂ (5) and [RuL₃](PF₆)₂ (6) (where, L = ligand, bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, phen = 1,10‐phenantroline, dafo = 4,5‐diazafluoren‐9‐one and dcbpy = 3,3′‐dicarboxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV–vis, FT‐IR, ¹H and ¹³C‐NMR spectra (for ligand), molar conductivity measurements and X‐ray powder techniques. The electrochemical parameters of the substituted ligand and its polypyridyl hetero‐ and homoleptic Ru(II) metal complexes are reported by cyclic voltammetry. UV–vis spectroscopy is used to compare the differences between the conjugated π systems in this ligand and its Ru(II) metal complexes. The polypyridyl hetero‐ and homoleptic Ru(II) metal complexes also tested as catalysts for the formation of cyclic organic carbonates from carbon dioxide and liquid epoxides which served as both reactant and solvent. The results showed that the [Ru(L)₃](PF₆)₂ (6) complex is more efficient than the other Ru(II) complexes for the formation of cyclic organic carbonates from carbon dioxide. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Metallomacrocycles with a Difference: Macrocyclic Complexes with Exocyclic Ruthenium(II)‐Containing Domains

The templated synthesis of organic macrocycles containing rings of up to 96 atoms and three 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy) units is described. Starting with the bpy‐centred ligands 5,5′‐bis[3‐(1,4‐dioxahept‐6‐enylphenyl)]‐2,2′‐bipyridine and 5,5′‐bis[3‐(1,4,7‐trioxadec‐9‐enylphenyl)]‐2,2′‐bipyridine, we have applied Grubbs’ methodology to couple the terminal alkene units of the coordinated ligands in [FeL₃]²⁺ complexes. Hydrogenation and demetallation of the iron(II)‐containing macrocyclic complexes results in the isolation of large organic macrocycles. The latter bind {Ru(bpy)₂} units to give macrocyclic complexes with exocyclic ruthenium(II)‐containing domains. The complex [Ru(bpy)₂(L)]²⁺ (isolated as the hexafluorophosphate salt), in which L=5,5′‐bis[3‐(1,4,7,10‐tetraoxatridec‐12‐enylphenyl)]‐2,2′‐bipyridine, undergoes intramolecular ring‐closing metathesis to yield a macrocycle which retains the exocyclic {Ru(bpy)₂} unit. The poly(ethyleneoxy) domains in the latter macrocycle readily scavenge sodium ions, as proven by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and atomic absorption spectroscopy data for the bulk sample. In addition to the new compounds, a series of model complexes have been fully characterized, and representative single‐crystal X‐ray structural data are presented for iron(II) and ruthenium(II) acyclic and macrocyclic species.     

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.     

Synthesis and photophysical properties of novel amphiphilic ruthenium (II) complexes containing 4,4′‐dialkylaminomethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl ligands

The synthesis of a number of new 2,2′‐bipyridine ligands functionalized with bulky amino side groups is reported. Three homoleptic polypyridyl ruthenium (II) complexes, [Ru(L)₃]²⁺ 2(PF₆^?), where L is 4,4′‐dioctylaminomethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (Ru4a), 4,4′‐didodecylaminomethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (Ru4b) and 4,4′‐dioctadodecylaminomethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (Ru4c), have been synthesized. These compounds were characterized and their photophysical properties examined. The electronic spectra of three complexes show pyridyl π → π* transitions in the UV region and metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer bands in the visible region. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A New Luminescent Ruthenium(II) Polypyridine‐derived Dipicolylamine Complex as a Sensor for Cu2+ Ions

A chemo‐sensor [Ru(bpy)₂(bpy‐DPF)](PF₆)₂ ( 1 ) (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, bpy‐DPF=2,2′‐bipyridyl‐4,4′‐bis(N,N‐di(2‐picolyl))formylamide) for Cu²⁺ using di(2‐picolyl)amine (DPA) as the recognition group and a ruthenium(II) complex as the reporting group was synthesized and characterized successfully. It demonstrates a high selectivity and efficient signaling behavior only for Cu²⁺ with obvious red‐shifted MLCT (metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer transitions) absorptions and dramatic fluorescence quenching compared with Zn²⁺ and other metal ions.     

A Noble‐Metal‐Free Nickel(II) Polypyridyl Catalyst for Visible‐Light‐Driven Hydrogen Production from Water

The complex [Ni(bpy)₃]²⁺ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) is an active catalyst for visible‐light‐driven H₂ production from water when employed with [Ir(dfppy)₂(Hdcbpy)] [dfppy=2‐(3,4‐difluorophenyl)pyridine, Hdcbpy=4‐carboxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine‐4′‐carboxylate] as the photosensitizer and triethanolamine as the sacrificial electron donor. The highest turnover number of 520 with respect to the nickel(II) catalyst is obtained in a 8:2 acetonitrile/water solution at pH 9. The H₂‐evolution system is more stable after the addition of an extra free bpy ligand, owing to faster catalyst regeneration. The photocatalytic results demonstrate that the nickel(II) polypyridyl catalyst can act as a more effective catalyst than the commonly utilized [Co(bpy)₃]²⁺. This study may offer a new paradigm for constructing simple and noble‐metal‐free catalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen production.     

Crystallographic report: A synthetic precursor for hetero‐binuclear metal complexes, [Ru(bpy)(dppy)2(CO)2](PF6)2 (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine,dppy = 2‐(diphenylphosphino)pyridine)

In the title complex, [Ru(bpy)(dppy)₂(CO)₂](PF₆)₂ (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, dppy = 2‐(diphenylphosphino)pyridine), the ruthenium atom exhibits a slightly distorted octahedral coordination with the carbonyl ligands in cis positions. In addition, two dppy ligands coordinate to the ruthenium center through the phosphorus atoms in mutually trans positions and two pyridyl nitrogen atoms of the dppy direct toward two carbonyl ligands. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

Oxygen‐Dependent Photocatalytic Water Reduction with a Ruthenium(imidazolium) Chromophore and a Cobaloxime Catalyst

Detailed investigations of a photocatalytic system capable of producing hydrogen under pre‐catalytic aerobic conditions are reported. This system consists of the NHC precursor chromophore [Ru(tbbpy)₂(RR′ip)][PF₆]₃ (abbreviated as Ru(RR′ip)[PF₆]₃; tbbpy=4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine, RR′ip=1,3‐disubstituted‐1H‐imidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthrolinium), the reduction catalyst Co(dmgH)₂ (dmgH=dimethylglyoximato), and the electron donor ascorbic acid (AA). Screening studies with respect to solvent, cobaloxime catalyst, electron donor, pH, and concentrations of the individual components yielded optimized photocatalytic conditions. The system shows high activity based on Ru, with turnover numbers up to 2000 under oxygen‐free and pre‐catalytic aerobic conditions. The turnover frequency in the latter case was even higher than that for the oxygen‐free catalyst system. The Ru complexes show high photostability and their first excited state is primarily located on the RR′ip ligand. X‐ray crystallographic analysis of the rigid cyclophane‐type ligand dd(ip)₂(Br)₂ (dd(ip)₂=1,1′,3,3′‐bis(2,3,5,6‐tetramethyl‐1,4‐phenylene)bis(methylene)bis(1H‐imidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthrolinium)) and the catalytic activity of its Ru complex [{(tbbpy)₂Ru}₂(μ‐dd(ip)₂)][PF₆]₆ (abbreviated as Ru₂(dd(ip)₂)[PF₆]₆) suggest an intermolecular catalytic cycle.     

Synthesis of a Ruthenium(II) Compound based on 5‐(2‐Pyrimidyl)‐1H‐tetrazole for Photodynamic Therapy

Ru^II compounds have been universally investigated due to their unique physical and chemical properties. In this paper, a new Ru^II compound based on 2,2′‐bipy and Hpmtz [2,2′‐bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, Hpmtz = 5‐(2‐pyrimidyl)‐1H‐tetrazole], namely [Ru(2,2′‐bipy)₂(pmtz)][PF₆] · 0.5H₂O was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. [Ru(2,2′‐bipy)₂(pmtz)][PF₆] · 0.5H₂O shows a mononuclear structure and forms a three‐dimensional network by non‐classic hydrogen bonds. The ability of generation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) makes it has a low phototoxicity IC₅₀ (half‐maximal inhibitory concentration) after Xenon lamp irradiation on Hela cells in vitro. The results demonstrate that [Ru(2,2′‐bipy)₂(pmtz)][PF₆] · 0.5H₂O with high light toxicity and low dark toxicity may be a potential candidate for photodynamic therapy.     

The Combination of 4‐Hydroxythiazoles with Azaheterocycles: Efficient Bidentate Ligands for Novel Ruthenium Complexes

Herein the syntheses of three novel ligands, in which an azaheterocycle is connected with a thiazole subunit: 4‐methoxy‐5‐methyl‐2‐pyridine‐2‐yl‐1,3‐thiazole ( 1 ), 4‐methoxy‐5‐methyl‐2‐pyrimidine‐2‐yl‐1,3‐thiazole ( 2 ) and 4‐methoxy‐5‐phenyl‐2‐pyridine‐2‐yl‐1,3‐thiazole ( 3 ) are reported. Because these ligands are cyclic versions of 1,4‐diazadienes, they offer good prerequisites for the synthesis of metal complexes and were employed as chelating ligands. Three novel heteroleptic cationic complexes of the type Ru(bpy)₂( L ), with bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine were successfully synthesised. The Ru^II complexes as well as the ligands were characterised by means of mass spectrometry, NMR, UV/Vis and IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Furthermore, an X‐ray structure of Ru(bpy)₂ 2 (PF₆), as far as we know the first example where a thiazole is directly connected to a Ru^II core, is presented in this paper.     

Integration of [(Co(bpy)3]2+ Electron Mediator with Heterogeneous Photocatalysts for CO2 Conversion

An efficient chemical system for electron generation and transfer is constructed by the integration of an electron mediator ([Co(bpy)₃]²⁺; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) with semiconductor photocatalysts. The introduction of [Co(bpy)₃]²⁺ remarkably enhances the photocatalytic activity of pristine semiconductor photocatalysts for heterogeneous CO₂ conversion; this is attributable to the acceleration of charge separation. Of particular interest is that the excellent photocatalytic activity of heterogeneous catalysts can be developed as a universal photocatalytic CO₂ reduction system. The present findings clearly demonstrate that the integration of an electron mediator with semiconductors is a feasible process for the design and development of efficient photochemical systems for CO₂ conversion.     

Luminescent polymeric ruthenium complexes with polystyrene‐b‐poly(methyl methacrylate) macroligands: The sequential activation of initiator sites for blocks generated by parallel polymerization mechanisms

The synthesis of polystyrene‐b‐poly(methyl methacrylate) diblock copolymers with a luminescent ruthenium(II) tris(bipyridine) [Ru(bpy)₃] complex at the block junction is described. The macroligand precursor, polystyrene bipyridine‐poly(methyl methacrylate) [bpy(PS–H)(PMMA)], was synthesized via the atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate from two independent, sequentially activated initiating sites. Both polymerization steps resulted in the growth of blocks with sizes consistent with monomer loading and narrow molecular weight distributions (i.e., polydispersity index < 1.3). Subsequent reactions with ruthenium(II) bis(bipyridine) dichloride [Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂] in the presence of Ag⁺ generated the ruthenium tris(bipyridine)‐centered diblock, which is of interest for the imaging of block copolymer microstructures and for incorporation into new photonic materials. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 4250–4255, 2002     

Bimetallic Ru(II)–Ir(III) complexes with bridging 2,2′‐bipyrimidine: Synthesis,structures and characterization

In this work, four bimetallic Ru(II)–Ir(III) complexes with the general formula [(bpy)₂Ru(bpm)Ir(C^N)₂](PF₆)₃ (bpy = 2,2‐bipyridine, bpm = 2,2′‐bipyrimidine, C^N = 2‐phenylpyridinato ( 2 ), (2‐p‐tolyl)pyridinato ( 3 ), 2‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)pyridinato ( 4 ), and 2‐thienylpyridinato ( 5 )) were synthesized. Complexes 2 – 5 were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, high‐resolution mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The structures of the complexes 2 and 4 were further confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. All the complexes display strong absorption in the high‐energy UV region assigned to intraligand (IL) transitions, and the lower energy bands are ascribed to metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions. The reduction and oxidation behavior of the complexes 2 – 5 were examined by cyclic voltammetry. Variation of the ligands on Ir(III) center resulted in significant changes in electrochemical properties.     

Synthesen und Strukturen von Bis(4,4′‐t‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridin)‐Ruthenium(II)‐Komplexen mit funktionellen Derivaten des Tetramethyl‐bibenzimidazols

Syntheses and Structures of Bis(4,4′‐t‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) Ruthenium(II) Complexes with functional Derivatives of Tetramethyl‐bibenzimidazole [(tbbpy)₂RuCl₂] reacts with dinitro‐tetramethylbibenzimidazole ( A ) in DMF to form the complex [(tbbpy)₂Ru( A )](PF₆)₂ ( 1a ) (tbbpy: bis(4,4′‐t‐butyl)‐2,2′bipyridine). Exchange of the two PF₆^? anions by a mixture of tetrafluor‐terephthalat/tetrafluor‐terephthalic acid results in the formation of 1b in which an extended hydrogen‐bonded network is formed. According to the ¹H NMR spectra and X‐ray analyses of both 1a and 1b , the two nitro groups of the bibenzimidazole ligand are situated at the periphery of the complex in cis position to each other. Reduction of the nitro groups in 1a with SnCl₂/HCl results in the corresponding diamino complex 2 which is a useful starting product for further functionalization reactions. Substitution of the two amino groups in 2 by bromide or iodide via Sandmeyer reaction results in the crystalline complexes [(tbbpy)₂Ru( C )](PF₆)₂ and [(tbbpy)₂Ru( D )](PF₆)₂ ( C : dibromo‐tetrabibenzimidazole, D : diiodo‐tetrabibenzimidazole). Furthermore, 2 readily reacts with 4‐t‐butyl‐salicylaldehyde or pyridine‐2‐carbaldehyde under formation of the corresponding Schiff base Ru^II complexes 5 and 6 . ¹H NMR spectra show that the substituents (NH₂, Br, I, azomethines) in 2 ‐ 6 are also situated in peripheral positions, cis to each other. The solid state structure of both 2 , and 3 , determined by X‐ray analyses confirm this structure. In addition, the X‐ray diffraction analyses of single crystals of the complexes [(tri‐t‐butyl‐terpy)(Cl)Ru( A )] ( 7 ) and [( A )PtCl₂] ( 8 ) display also that the nitro groups in these complexes are in a cis‐arrangement.     

Synthesis,characterization, and metal complexes of polyacetylenes with pendant 2,2′‐bipyridyl groups

5‐Ethynyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine ( 1 ; bpyC≡CH) polymerized in the presence of catalytic amounts of [RhF(COD)(PPh₃)] or [Rh(μ‐OH)(COD)]₂ (COD = 1,5‐cyclooctadiene) in 74–91% yields. In contrast, [Rh(μ‐X)(NBD)]₂ (X = Cl or OMe; NBD = norbornadiene) did not catalyze the polymerization of 1 or gave low yields of the polymer. The obtained polymer, poly(5‐ethynyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) [ 2 ; (bpyC?CH)_n], was highly stereoregular with a predominant cis–transoidal geometry. Random copolyacetylenes containing the 2,2′‐bipyridyl group with improved solubility in organic solvents were obtained by the treatment of a mixture of 1 and phenylacetylene ( 3 ) or 1‐ethynyl‐4‐n‐pentyl‐benzene with catalytic amounts of [RhF(COD)(PPh₃)]. A block copolymer of 1 and 3 was prepared by the addition of 1 to a poly(phenylacetylene) containing a living end. The reaction of 2 with [Mo(CO)₆] produced an insoluble polymer containing [Mo(CO)₄(bpy)] groups, whereas with [RuCl₂(bpy)₂] or [Ru(bpy)₂(CH₃COCH₃)₂](CF₃SO₃)₂, it gave soluble metal–polymer complexes containing [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ groups. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43:3167–3177, 2005     

Nanoscale Metal–Organic Layers for Deeply Penetrating X‐ray‐Induced Photodynamic Therapy

We report the rational design of metal–organic layers (MOLs) that are built from [Hf₆O₄(OH)₄(HCO₂)₆] secondary building units (SBUs) and Ir[bpy(ppy)₂]⁺‐ or [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺‐derived tricarboxylate ligands (Hf‐BPY‐Ir or Hf‐BPY‐Ru; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, ppy=2‐phenylpyridine) and their applications in X‐ray‐induced photodynamic therapy (X‐PDT) of colon cancer. Heavy Hf atoms in the SBUs efficiently absorb X‐rays and transfer energy to Ir[bpy(ppy)₂]⁺ or [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ moieties to induce PDT by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ability of X‐rays to penetrate deeply into tissue and efficient ROS diffusion through ultrathin 2D MOLs (ca. 1.2 nm) enable highly effective X‐PDT to afford superb anticancer efficacy.     

Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence Sensor Based on Tris(2,2′‐bipyridine)ruthenium(II)‐Immobilized Natural Clay and Ionic Liquid

A novel electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor based on natural clay and ionic liquid was fabricated. Tris(2,2′‐bipyridine)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)₃²⁺) was immobilized on natural clay surface through simple adsorption. An ECL sensor was prepared by mixing Ru(bpy)₃²⁺‐incorporated clay, graphite powder and an ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate) as the binder. The electrochemical behavior and ECL of the immobilized Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ was investigated. It was observed that the ECL of immobilized Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ was activated by the ionic liquid. The proposed ECL sensor showed high sensitivity to tri‐n‐propylamine (TPrA) and the detection limit was found to be 20 pM. In addition, the ECL sensor displayed good stability for TPrA detection and long‐term storage stability.