Combined Spectroscopic and Quantum Chemical Study of [trans-Ru(C≡CC6H4R1-4)2(dppe)2]n+ and [trans-Ru(C≡CC6H4R1-4)(C≡CC6H4R2-4)(dppe)2]n+ (n = 0, 1) Complexes: Interpretations beyond the Lowest Energy Conformer Paradigm

Notable differences between oxidized diruthenium complexes bridged by four isomeric diethynyl benzodithiophene ligands

Isomeric benzodithiophenes in the core of a diethynyl bridge have a strong impact on the stability and electronic properties of oxidized diruthenium complexes.

Reactions of alkynes with cis-RuCl2(dppm)2: exploring the interplay of vinylidene, alkynyl and η(3)-butenynyl complexes

Reactions of cis-RuCl2(dppm)2 with various terminal alkynes, of the type HC≡CC6H4-4-R (1 equiv.), in the presence of TlBF4 have resulted in the formation of cationic vinylidene complexes trans-[RuCl(=C=CHC6H4-4-R)(dppm)2]BF4 ([1]BF4). These complexes can be isolated, or treated in situ with a suitable base (Proton Sponge, 1,8-bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene) to yield the mono-alkynyl complexes trans-RuCl(C≡CC6H4-4-R)(dppm)2 (2). Through similar reactions between cis-RuCl2(dppm)2 with 2 equiv. of alkyne, TlBF4 and base, trans-bis(alkynyl) complexes, trans-Ru(C≡CC6H4-4-R)2(dppm)2 (3), can be isolated when R is an electron withdrawing substituent (R = NO2, COOMe, C≡CSiMe3), whereas reactions with alkynes bearing electron donating substituents (R = OMe and Me) form cationic η(3)-butenynyl complexes [Ru(η(3)-{HC(C6H4-4-R)=CC≡CC6H4-4-R})(dppm)2](+) ([4](+)). This work highlights the importance of the electronic character of the alkyne in influencing product outcome.

New donor–acceptor conjugates based on a trifluorenylporphyrin linked to a redox–switchable ruthenium unit

Spectroelectrochemical studies show four accessible redox states on dyad 3 with the first oxidation process taking place at the Ru(ii) centre and the second oxidation and first reduction processes at the porphyrin centre.