Synthesis, photophysical and redox behavior of unsymmetrical binuclear Ru(II) complexes based on tris(1-pyrazolyl)methane

Six new unsymmetrical achiral complexes of RuII containing the tripodal ligand tris(1-pyrazolyl)methan (tpm) on both metal centers have been prepared and fully characterized. Their general formula is [CLa(tpm)Ru(μBL)Ru(tpm)CLb]4+, were CLa and CLb represent two different chelating ligands (2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2′-biquinoline (biq)); BL can be 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bpy) or pirazine (pz). The structures of the new species have been elucidated by 1H NMR, COSY and NOESY spectroscopy. Electrochemical, UV–Vis spectroscopical, luminescence, and spectroelectrochemical properties have been investigated for all the binuclear complexes. For two representative species DFT calculations were carried out. The experimental data have been thoroughly interpreted in terms of the role played by each constituent subunit within the assemblies. results add comparative pieces of information to the knowledge of the properties of the RuII-based complexes.