Synthesis, electrochemistry and spectroscopic properties of ruthenium phthalocyanine and naphthalocyanine complexes with triphenylarsine ligands

The synthesis, electrochemistry and spectroscopic properties of [PcRu(AsPh3)2] (1) and [{(tBu)4Nc}Ru(AsPh3)2] (2), where Pc = phthalocyanine and Nc = naphthalocyanine are reported. These complexes are the first examples of metal phthalocyanine and naphthalocyanine complexes with axially-coordinated arsine ligands. The AsPh3 ligands readily dissociate in non-coordinating solvents with 2 showing more rapid dissociation. In cyclic voltammetry experiments, 1 displayed three macrocycle-centred redox processes; one reduction and two oxidation processes. One reduction and three oxidation processes were observed for 2. The reduction and first oxidation are assigned to macrocycle-centred processes. The UV–Vis spectra of both complexes recorded over time showed macrocycle-centred oxidation. The oxidation was hindered by removing dioxygen from the solvent or adding excess AsPh3.