Preparation and photophysical studies of copper(I) and ruthenium(II) complexes of 4,4′-bis(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine

We report the synthesis of a new ligand, 4,4′-bis(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine, optimised for binding to copper(I) and with pendant functionality that can eventually be developed into metallodendritic structures. The synthesis and photophysical properties of complexes with copper(I) and ruthenium(II) are reported. The solid state structure of the complex [Cu(1)2][PF6] · MeCN (1 = 4,4′-bis(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) is also described.