The first asymmetric synthesis of chiral ruthenium tris(bipyridine) from racemic ruthenium bis(bipyridine) complexes

The first ‘one-pot’ asymmetric synthesis of ruthenium tris(bipyridine) derivatives starting from corresponding racemic ruthenium bis(bipyridine) complexes is described. This is achieved through the stereocontrolled formation of reactive intermediates derived from (R)-(+)- or (S)-(−)-methyl p-tolyl sulfoxide, which can be easily converted to the products with a retention of configuration at the metal center.