The influence of bridging ligand electronic structure on the photophysical properties of noble metal diimine and triimine light harvesting systems

Modulation of ground and excited state properties of ruthenium complexes through sequential incorporation of metal into a polypyridyl-imidazole bridging ligand

A polypyridyl-imidazole-based bridging ligand, 2-(4-(4,5-di(pyridine-2-yl)-1H-imidazole-2-yl)phenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline (phen-H2PhImz-bpy), possessing three bidentate coordinating sites, has been designed in this work. The bridging ligand is employed to synthesize mono-, bi-, and trimetallic Ru(II) complexes in combination with terminal bipyridine units for the systematic modulation of photophysical and redox properties upon sequential incorporation of the metal unit into the bridge. All the compounds are characterized via NMR spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Absorption and both steady-state and time-resolved emission spectroscopic investigations of the ligand as well as Ru(II) complexes are thoroughly conducted in different solvents. The redox behaviors of the complexes are examined through cyclic voltammetry (CV) in acetonitrile. The focus of the investigation is centered on the systematic modulation of MLCT absorption and emission as well as the redox behavior of the complex entity upon the gradual incorporation of the Ru2+ unit into the complex backbone. The emission energy, quantum yield and lifetime are found to decrease systematically with an increase in the Ru2+ unit in the complex backbone and a linear relationship is observed in each case. A good correlation is also observed between the emission energies of complexes with their respective ΔE1/2 values (the difference between the first oxidation and first reduction potential).

Influences of Both N,N,N- and N,N,C-Coordination Modes of Tolyl-terpyridine on the Photophysical Properties of Cyclometalated Ru(II) Complexes: Combined Experimental and Theoretical Investigations on Acid/Base-Dependent Reversible Cyclometalation

With the goal of developing a new strategy for the synthesis of luminescent Ru(II) complexes, we have prepared herein a new set of bis-tridentate complexes of the type [(py-bpy-Ph-X)Ru(tpy-PhCH3)]ClO4 (X = -CH3, -CH2Br, and -CHO) incorporating both non-cyclometalated and cyclometalated coordination motifs of two isomeric forms of methylphenyl-terpyridine (tpy-PhCH3). Thorough characterization of the synthesized complexes is carried out using standard analytical tools and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Detailed investigations on their photophysical and electrochemical behaviors are carried out in MeCN. The presence of a carbanionic center in the cyclometalating unit increases the absorption spectral window of the complexes into a longer-wavelength region. The complexes also exhibit room-temperature luminescence in the NIR domain with enhanced excited-state lifetimes (up to 20.1 ns) compared to their non-cyclometalated counterpart, [Ru(tpy-PhCH3)2]2+. In the presence of acid, the non-coordinated nitrogen atom in the secondary coordination sphere of the complexes allows fine-tuning of the absorption and emission spectral properties. Excess acid induces de-coordination of the Ru-C bond, which is signaled by a remarkable alteration of their spectral profiles. Cleavage of the Ru-C bond is also possible upon treating the acidified solution of the complexes with visible light. Restoration of the Ru-C bond is again feasible upon treating the solution with base at an elevated temperature (∼70 °C). In essence, "on-off" and "off-on" switching of emission is facilitated upon alternating treatment of the Ru(II) complexes with acid, base, and temperature. DFT and TD-DFT calculations are also performed for assignments of the spectral bands as well as to understand structural changes associated with the switching behaviors of the complexes.

Effect of electronic structure of energy transfer in bimetallic Ru(II)/Os(II) complexes

Novel monometallic (μ-LL')Ru, Ru(μ-LL'), homobimetallic Ru(μ-LL')Ru, and heterodimetallic Ru(μ-LL')Os and Os(μ-LL')Ru complexes based on two asymmetrical ligands LL' (where LL' = L¹L^1', L²L^2') have been synthesized and characterized. Spectroscopic analysis indicates that all complexes exhibit intense spin-allowed ligand-centered (LC) transitions at 288 nm and Ru-based moderate spin-allowed MLCT absorption between 440-450 nm. The Ru(μ-LL')Os and Os(μ-LL')Ru dinuclear complexes show Os-based unit absorption in the range of 565-583 nm. The Ru-based units of the complexes present different emission intensities due to differing steric hindrance at the coordination sites of the two bridging ligands. The Os(μ-LL')Ru dinuclear complexes present weaker emission intensity than their parent monometallic complexes (μ-LL')Ru. These results indicate that the emission of Os(μ-LL')Ru dinuclear complexes is quenched by the Os(II)-based units.

Anion and Temperature Responsive Molecular Switches Based on Trimetallic Complexes of Ru(II) and Os(II) That Demonstrate Advanced Boolean and Fuzzy Logic Functions

Anion- and temperature-induced alteration of the photoredox behaviors of our recently reported trimetallic complexes was carried out to fabricate potential molecular switches. The triads [(phen)₂Ru(d-HIm-t)M(t-HIm-d)Ru(phen)₂]⁶⁺ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, d-HIm-t = heterotopic bipyridine-terpyridne type bridging ligand, and M = Ru^II and Os^II) possess two acidic imidazole NH protons that upon interaction with anions give rise to considerable changes in their photophysical and electrochemical behaviors. Red-shifts of the absorption and emission maximum and a decrease in the M³⁺/M²⁺ potential occur when the triads are treated with basic anions. In fact, the triads can function as triple-channel sensors for F^-, AcO^-, CN^-, OH^-, and H₂PO₄^- in acetonitrile and as selective probes for CN^- and SCN^- in water. The equilibrium constants for the receptor-anion interaction are on the order of 10⁶ M^-1, while the limit of detection was on the order of 10^-9 M. Temperature plays a key role in the luminescence properties of the triads by adjusting the energy barrier between the emitting triplet metal-to-ligand charge transfer and non-emitting triplet metal-centered levels. A decrease in temperature leads to increases in the emission intensity and lifetime of the triads displaying the "on state", whereas an increase in temperature leads to a decrease in their emission characteristics and thus indicates the "off state" and that the process is fully reversible. In essence, the triads could function as potential switches on the basis of the reversible change in their spectral and redox behaviors under the influence of anion, acid, and temperature. The most important outcome of this study is mimicking several advanced Boolean and fuzzy logic functions by utilizing the spectral response of the triads upon the action of said external stimuli.

Tuning of photo-redox behaviours and thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of intercomponent energy transfer in trimetallic complexes of Ru(II) and Os(II) by exploiting their second coordination sphere

This paper deals with a thorough investigation of pH-induced tuning of the ground and excited state photophysical as well as electrochemical behaviours of two series of our recently reported homo- and heterotrimetallic complexes of the type [(bpy)₂Ru(d-HIm-t)M(t-HIm-d)Ru(bpy)₂]⁶⁺ and [(bpy)₂Os(d-HIm-t)M(t-HIm-d)Os(bpy)₂]⁶⁺ (M = Ru^II and Os^II) derived from a heteroditopic bpy-tpy (d-HIm-t) type bridging ligand through the exploitation of their second coordination sphere. A small bathochromic shift of the absorption and emission spectral band along with substantial alteration of emission intensity and lifetime of the triads is noted upon deprotonation of the NH motifs at elevated pH values. The lowering of the half wave potential of a M³⁺/M²⁺ couple is also observed upon removal of the NH protons. Both ground and excited state pK_a values of the triads are estimated from their absorption/emission versus pH spectral profiles. In addition, the variation of the free energy change (ΔG) and the rate of intercomponent energy transfer (k_en) in the triads upon stepwise deprotonation of the NH motifs are also addressed in the present study.

Low-cost photo-switches based on stilbene-appended Zn(II)-terpyridine complexes

We report herein the synthesis, characterization, photophysics, and photo-isomerization behaviors of three Zn(II)-terpyridine complexes of the type [Zn(tpy-pvp-X)₂]²⁺ (X = H, Me, and NO₂) covalently tethered with stilbene moiety. The complexes exhibit absorption bands stretching up to the edge of the visible domain due to ligand → ligand charge transfer (LLCT) transitions and strong emission at room temperature in the visible due to radiative deactivation of ³LLCT state having lifetime within 1.0-3.0 ns. The stilbene motifs in the complexes undergo trans to cis isomerization upon irradiating with UV and visible light accompanied by significant alteration of their absorption, emission, and ¹H NMR spectral profiles. Apart from the variation of electron donating and electron withdrawing substituent (X), the isomerization studies were also carried out in three different solvents (DCM, MeCN, and DMSO) to further tune their kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. The rate, rate constant and quantum yield of isomerization were estimated in all the solvents. The reverse process (cis to trans) also occurs very slowly on keeping but could be accelerated upon heating. Trans to cis photoisomerization leads to quenching of emission in case of 1 and 2, whereas backward thermal cis to trans conversion leads to restoration of emission. By contrast, for the nitro-derivative (3) forward process induces emission enhancement, while backward process gives rise to emission quenching. In essence, "on-off" and "off-on" emission switching is feasible for 1 and 2, whereas "off-on" and "on-off" emission switching occurs in case of 3. Emission spectral responses upon successive action of photonic and thermal input lead to the fabrication of INHIBIT and IMPLICATION logic gates. DFT and TD-DFT computational investigations were also undertaken to visualize their electronic structures, correct assignment of the spectral bands, and mode of isomerization process.

Controlling the Direction of Intercomponent Energy Transfer by Appropriate Placement of Metals in Long-Lived Trinuclear Complexes of Fe(II), Ru(II), and Os(II)

In this work, we report the synthesis, photophysics, and electrochemistry of a new array of trinuclear complexes, [(bpy)₂Os(d-HIm-t)M(t-HIm-d)Os(bpy)₂]⁶⁺ (M = Fe^II, Ru^II, and Os^II), based on a previously reported bipyridine-terpyridine type bridge (d-HIm-t). Photophysical behavior of in situ generated trinuclear OsZnOs complex {[(bpy)₂Os(d-HIm-t)Zn(t-HIm-d)Os(bpy)₂]⁶⁺} was also investigated to understand the complicated photophysics of trinuclear array. Complexes display very rich redox properties demonstrating multiple metal-based oxidation and ligand-based reduction couples. The triads exhibit strong absorption throughout the entire UV-vis spectral region and also emit in the near-infrared domain (NIR) with a sufficiently long lifetime at ambient temperature. Intercomponent energy transfer, either from the periphery to the center or from the center to the periphery, depending upon the relative position of metals, was convincingly demonstrated through steady-state emission and lifetime measurements of the triads together with respective model complexes. Interestingly, Fe²⁺ does not worsen the emission behavior of the OsFeOs system to a great extent. Present trinuclear complexes act as a visible light absorbing antenna by funneling the absorbed light to the subunit(s) with the lowest energy excited state.

Long-Lived Trimetallic Complexes of Fe(II), Ru(II), and Os(II) Based on a Heteroditopic Bipyridine-Terpyridine Bridge: Synthesis, Photophysics, and Electronic Energy Transfer

Synthesis, characterization, and investigation of photophysical and redox behaviors of a new class of homo- and heterotrimetallic complexes of composition [(bpy/phen)₂Ru(dipy-Hbzim-tpy)M(tpy-Hbzim-dipy)Ru(bpy/phen)₂]⁶⁺ (M = Fe^II, Ru^II, and Os^II) derived from a conjugated heteroditopic bipyridine-terpyridine bridge were carried out in this work. Trimetallic RuZnRu complexes of composition [(bpy/phen)₂Ru(dipy-Hbzim-tpy)Zn(tpy-Hbzim-dipy)Ru(bpy/phen)₂]⁶⁺ were also synthesized in situ as their photophysical properties are of particular interest in demonstrating the absorption and emission spectra of the complexes in the presence of a metal (Zn²⁺) that has neither metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) nor metal-centered (³MC) states. Complexes display intense absorption bands spanning almost the entire UV and visible region. The complexes also exhibit rich electrochemical behaviors with a number of metal-centered reversible oxidation and ligand-centered reduction waves. All complexes are luminescent at room temperature, and time-resolved emission spectral studies indicate that peripheral Ru^II-centered emissive ³MLCT states are quantitatively quenched, by intramolecular energy transfer to the low lying ³MLCT (for central Ru and Os) or ³MC states of the Fe^II center (nonluminescent). Interestingly, Fe(II) does not adversely deteriorate the photophysics of the RuFeRu assembly. Thus, multicomponent complexes in the present work can serve as well-organized light-harvesting antennas as the light absorbed by multiple chromophoric subunits is efficiently channeled to the distinct component having the lowest-energy excited state.

Stimuli-Responsive Luminescent Bis-Tridentate Ru(II) Complexes toward the Design of Functional Materials

We report here the synthesis, characterization, and photophysics of two bis-tridentate Ru(II) complexes based on a heteroditopic ligand and thoroughly studied their stimuli-responsive behaviors toward the design of functional materials. Both complexes display emission at room temperature having lifetimes in the range of 0.5-70.0 ns, depending on coligand and solvent. Substantial modulations of absorption and emission spectral behaviors of the complexes were done upon interaction with anions, and anion-induced changes in the properties lead to recognition of selected anions in both organic and aqueous media. Photophysical properties of the complexes were also tuned by changing the pH of the medium, and p K_a values in both ground and excited states were determined. The presence of free pyridine-imidazole motifs in the complexes leads to substantial modulation of the optical properties and switching of the emission properties upon interaction with selected cations as well as with protons. Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Cu²⁺ trigger emission quenching, while Zn²⁺ induces finite enhancement of the emission intensity in the complexes. In essence, modulation of the optical properties and switching of luminescence properties of the complexes were accomplished by a variety of the external stimuli such as anions, cations, protons, and pH, as well as solvent polarity. Importantly, the optical outputs in response to an appropriate set of stimuli were utilized to mimic the functions of two-input IMPLICATION, NOR, and XNOR logic gates.

Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Luminescence Switching of Diarylethene-Conjugated Ru(II)-Terpyridine Complexes by trans-cis Photoisomerization: Experimental and DFT/TD-DFT Investigation

We synthesized and thoroughly characterized a new family of diarylethene-conjugated mononuclear Ru(II)-terpyridine complexes and investigated in detail their photophysical, electrochemical, and spectroelectrochemical behaviors. Interestingly, the compounds show moderately strong room-temperature luminescence predominantly from their ³MLCT state with luminescence lifetime varying between 8.43 and 22.82 ns. Because of the presence of diarylethene unit, all the monometallic complexes underwent trans-to-cis photoisomerization upon interaction with UV light with substantial changes in their absorption and luminescence spectra. Reverting back from the cis to the trans form is also made possible upon treatment with visible light or by heat. Trans-to-cis isomerization leads to almost complete quenching of luminescence, while backward cis-to-trans isomerization gives rise to restoration of the original luminescence for all the complexes. Thus, "on-off" and "off-on" emission switching was made possible upon successive interaction of the complexes with UV and visible light. Computational investigation involving density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT methods was done for proper assignment of the experimental absorption and emission spectral bands in the complexes. Finally, experimentally observed trend on the absorption and emission spectral behaviors of the complexes upon photoisomerization was also compared with the calculated results.

Ru-Os dyads based on a mixed bipyridine-terpyridine bridging ligand: modulation of the rate of energy transfer and pH-induced luminescence switching in the infrared domain

A series of heterobimetallic complexes of compositions [(bpy/phen)₂Ru(dipy-Hbzim-tpy)Os (tpy-PhCH₃/H₂pbbzim)]⁴⁺ (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, tpy-PhCH₃ = 4'-(4-methylphenyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine and H₂pbbzim = 2,6-bis(benzimidazole-2-yl)pyridine)), derived from a heteroditopic bpy-tpy bridging ligand, were synthesized and thoroughly characterized in this work. The heterometallic complexes exhibit two successive one-electron reversible metal-centered oxidations corresponding to Os^II/Os^III at lower potential and Ru^II/Ru^III at higher potential. All the four dyads exhibit very intense, ligand centered absorption bands in the UV region and moderately intense MLCT bands in the visible region. The dyads also show intense infrared emission with the emission maximum spanning between 734 nm and 775 nm with reasonably long room temperature lifetimes varying between 30 ns and 104 ns. Both steady state and time resolved luminescence spectroscopic investigations indicate that efficient and fast intramolecular energy transfer from the ³MLCT state of the Ru(ii) center to the Os-center takes place in all the four dyads. In addition, the rate of energy transfer was found to depend on the terminal ligand on the Os-site. Due to the presence of a number of imidazole NH protons in the dyads, significant modulation of both the ground and excited state properties of the complexes was made possible by varying the pH of the solution. By varying the terminal ligand, pH-induced "on-off", "off-off-on" and "on-off-on" emission switching of the complexes was nicely demonstrated in the infrared region.

Luminescent Dinuclear Ruthenium Terpyridine Complexes with a Bis-Phenylbenzimidazole Spacer

A conjugated bis-terpyridine bridging ligand, 2-(4-(2,6-di(pyridin-2-yl)pyridin-4-yl)phenyl)-6-(2-(4-(2,6-di(pyridin-2-yl)pyridin-4-yl)phenyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-6-yl)-1H-benzo[d] imidazole (tpy-BPhBzimH₂-tpy), was designed in this work by covalent coupling of 3,3'-diaminobenzidine and two 4'-(p-formylphenyl)-2,2':6',2″-terpyridine units to synthesize a new series of bimetallic Ru(II)-terpyridine light-harvesting complexes. Photophysical and electrochemical properties were modulated by the variation of the terminal ligands in the complexes. The new compounds were thoroughly characterized by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Absorption spectra of the complexes consist of very strong ligand-centered π-π* and n-π* transitions in the UV, metal-to-ligand, and intraligand charge transfer bands in the visible regions. Steady-state and time-resolved emission spectral measurements indicate that the complexes exhibit moderately intense luminescence at room temperature within the spectral domain of 653-687 nm having luminescence lifetimes in the range between 6.3 and 55.2 ns, depending upon terminal tridentate ligand and solvent. Variable-temperature luminescence measurements suggest substantial increase of the energy gap between luminescent ³metal-to-ligand charge transfer state and nonluminescent ³metal centered in the complexes compared to the parent [Ru(tpy)₂]²⁺. Each of the three bimetallic complexes exhibits only one reversible couple in the positive potential window with almost no detectable splitting corresponding to simultaneous oxidation of the two remote Ru centers. All the complexes possess a number of imidazole NH protons, which became sufficiently acidic upon metal ion coordination. By utilizing these NH protons, we thoroughly studied anion recognition properties of the complexes in pure organic as well as predominantly aqueous media through multiple optical channels and spectroscopic methods. Finally computation investigations employing density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT were done to examine the electronic structures of the complexes and accurate assignment of experimentally observed optical spectral bands.

Design of Ru(II) Complexes Based on Anthraimidazoledione-Functionalized Terpyridine Ligand for Improvement of Room-Temperature Luminescence Characteristics and Recognition of Selective Anions: Experimental and DFT/TD-DFT Study

In this work we report synthesis and characterization of three rigid and linear rodlike monometallic Ru(II) complexes based on a terpyridine ligand tightly connected to 9,10-anthraquinone electron-acceptor unit through phenyl-imidazole spacer. The motivation of designing these complexes is to enhance their excited-state lifetimes at room temperature. Interestingly it is found that all three complexes exhibit luminescence at room temperature with excited-state lifetimes in the range of 1.6-52.8 ns, depending upon the coligand as well as the solvent. Temperature-dependent luminescence investigations indicate that the energy gap between the emitting ³MLCT state and nonemitting metal-centered state ³MC in the complexes increased enormously compared with parent [Ru(tpy)₂]²⁺. In addition, by taking advantage of the imidazole NH proton(s), which became appreciably acidic upon combined effect of electron accepting anthraquinone moiety as well as metal ion coordination, we also examined anion recognition and sensing behaviors of the complexes in organic, mixed aqueous-organic as well as in solid medium through different optical channels such as absorption, steady-state and time-resolved emission, and ¹H NMR spectroscopic techniques. In conjunction with the experiment, computational investigation was also employed to examine the electronic structures of the complexes and accurate assignment of experimentally observed spectral and redox behaviors.

Demonstration of intramolecular energy transfer in asymmetric bimetallic ruthenium(ii) complexes

Asymmetric bimetallic Ru(ii) complexes exhibit photo-induced intramolecular energy transfer with rate constant values on the order of 10⁷ s⁻¹.

Synthesis, electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of ruthenium(ii) complexes containing 2,6-di(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2-yl)aryl ligands

Five mono and dinuclear ruthenium complexes containing various symmetrical 2,6-di(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2-yl)aryl ligands were synthetized and their physical–chemical properties were studied.

Energy transfer and formation of long-lived 3MLCT states in multimetallic complexes with extended highly conjugated bis-terpyridyl ligands

Multimetallic complexes with extended conjugated ligands show efficient energy transfer to the lowest excited states and prolonged Fe(ii) ³MLCT lifetimes.

Synthesis, luminescence, and electrochemical studies of a new series of octanuclear ruthenium(II) complexes of tolylterpyridine appended calixresorcarenes

A new series of octanuclear Ru(ii) complexes of tolylterpyridine appended calixresorcarenes [{Ru(ttpy)}8()](PF6)16 (), [{Ru(ttpy)}8()](PF6)16 (), and [{Ru(ttpy)}8()](PF6)16 () [ = 2,8,14,20-tetraethyl-4,6,10,12,16,18,22,24-octa(4'-p-benzyloxy-(2,2':6',2''-terpyridinyl))calix[4]resorcarene; = 2,8,14,20-tetraphenyl-4,6,10,12,16,18,22,24-octa(4'-p-benzyloxy-(2,2':6',2''-terpyridinyl))calix[4]resorcarene; and = 2,8,14,20-tetra-p-tolyl-4,6,10,12,16,18,22,24-octa(4'-p-benzyloxy-(2,2':6',2''-terpyridinyl))calix[4]resorcarene] have been synthesized and characterized. The tetraethyl-, tetraphenyl-, and tetra-p-tolylcalixresorcarenes (), (), and (), respectively, are characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction: () a = 13.5771(4) Å, b = 7.9566(3) Å, c = 18.3912(6) Å, α = γ = 90°, β = 103.146(2)°, V = 1934.69(11) Å(3), Z = 2, monoclinic, P2/n; () a = 11.9710(8) Å, b = 12.7057(9) Å, c = 13.8570(9) Å, α = 94.731(2)°, β = 108.558(2)°, γ = 106.657(2)°, V = 1878.9(2) Å(3), Z = 1, triclinic, P1[combining macron]; and () a = 26.076(3) Å, b = 20.056(2) Å, c = 16.0193(19) Å, α = γ = 90°, β = 116.056(3)°, V = 7526.3(14) Å(3), Z = 4, monoclinic, C2/c, respectively. The octanuclear complexes are nonluminescent at 298 K, but exhibit (3)MLCT luminescence at 654, 649, and 646 nm, respectively, at 77 K in acetonitrile. In the solid state at 298 K they exhibit (3)MLCT luminescence at 658, 658, and 665 nm, respectively. The complexes exhibit a monoexponential decay profile in acetonitrile and in the solid state at 298 K. The redox active hosts containing eight [Ru(ttpy)2](2+) moieties undergo quasireversible one-electron oxidation at 1.25, 1.26, and 1.25 V versus Ag/Ag(+), respectively, in acetonitrile. The study demonstrates the versatility of the octanucleating calixresorcarene based ligands , , and in forming octanuclear Ru(ii) complexes.

pH-Induced processes in wire-like multichromophoric homo- and heterotrimetallic complexes of Fe(ii), Ru(ii), and Os(ii)

pH-Induced modulation of the absorption and emission spectroscopic properties of multichromophoric trimetallic complexes was carried out in a mixed acetonitrile–water medium.

ON-OFF luminescence signaling of hybrid organic-inorganic switches

The dyads 1OFF and 2OFF were prepared by combining the inorganic luminophores [Ru(phen)2(2-[imidazol-2-yl]pyridine)](2+) and [Re(CO)3Cl(2-[imidazol-2-yl]pyridine)] with 2-(anthracen-9-yl)-4-methylphenol as a second photoactive moiety. In both cases, the inorganic unit operates as the emitter, whereas the organic part acts as a controller. Emission of the inorganic luminophore can be reversibly switched ON and OFF by adjusting the energetic level of the (3)π-π* state of the appended anthracene unit through either dearomatization using a photohydration or aromatization applying a thermal dehydration. Emission of both switches is reversibly recorded and erased multiple times without significant degradation.

Synthesis, structural characterization, and photophysical, spectroelectrochemical, and anion-sensing studies of heteroleptic ruthenium(II) complexes derived from 4'-polyaromatic-substituted terpyridine derivatives and 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine

Heteroleptic bis-tridentate ruthenium(II) complexes of composition [(H2pbbzim)Ru(tpy-Ar)](ClO4)2, where H2pbbzim = 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine and tpy-Ar = 4'-substituted terpyridine ligands with Ar = phenyl (2), 2-naphthyl (3), 9-anthryl (4), and 1-pyrenyl (5) groups, have been synthesized and characterized by using standard analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The X-ray crystal structures of the complexes [(H2pbbzim)Ru(tpy-Naph)](ClO4)2 (3), [(pbbzim)Ru(tpy-Naph)]·(CH3)2CO·H2O (3a), and [(H2pbbzim)Ru(tpy-Py)](ClO4)2 (5) have been determined. The absorption, steady-state, and time-resolved luminescence spectral properties of the complexes were thoroughly investigated in dichloromethane. The compounds display strong luminescence at room temperature with lifetimes (τ2) in the range of 5.5-62 ns, depending upon the nature of the polycyclic aromatic moiety as well as the solvents. The complexes are found to undergo one reversible oxidation in the positive potential window (0 to +1.5 V) and four successive quasi-reversible reductions in the negative potential window (0 to -2.4 V). The anion-sensing properties of the receptors were thoroughly investigated in acetonitrile/dichloromethane (1/9 v/v) solutions (2 × 10(-5) M) using absorption, steady-state, and time-resolved emission spectroscopic studies. (1)H NMR titration experiments, on the other hand, were carried out in either CD3CN or DMSO-d6. The anion-sensing studies revealed that the receptors act as sensors for F(-), CN(-), AcO(-), and SO4(2-) and to some extent for HSO4(-) and H2PO4(-). It is evident that, in the presence of excess anions, deprotonation of the imidazole N-H fragments of the receptors occurs, which is signaled by the change of color from yellow-orange to violet visible with the naked eye. From the absorption and emission titration studies the binding/equilibrium constants of the receptors with the anions have also been determined. Anion-induced lifetime quenching and/or enhancement make the receptors suitable lifetime-based sensors for selective anions. Cyclic voltammetric (CV) measurements of the compounds carried out in acetonitrile have provided evidence in favor of anion-dependent electrochemical responses with F(-) and AcO(-) ions. Spectroelectrochemical studies have also been carried out for both the protonated and deprotonated forms of the complexes in the range of 300-1200 nm. With successive oxidation of the Ru(II) center, replacement of MLCT bands by LMCT bands occurs gradually with observation of sharp isosbestic points in all cases.

Structural characterization and spectroelectrochemical, anion sensing and solvent dependence photophysical studies of a bimetallic Ru(II) complex derived from 1,3-di(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline-2-yl)benzene

The X-ray crystal structure of a mixed-ligand bimetallic ruthenium(II) complex of composition [(bipy)(2)Ru(H(2)Impib)Ru(bipy)(2)](ClO(4))(4) (1), where H(2)Impib = 1,3-di(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline-2-yl)benzene and bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine, has been determined and showed that the compound crystallized in monoclinic form with the space group P2(1)/c. The absorption, steady state and time-resolved luminescence spectral properties of the complex were thoroughly investigated in different solvents. The compound displays strong luminescence at room temperature with lifetimes in the range of 140-470 ns, depending upon the nature of the solvent. Solvent-induced lifetime tuning makes the complex a suitable solvatochromic probe. The complex is found to undergo one simultaneous two-electron reversible oxidation in the positive potential window (0 to +1.6 V) and four quasi-reversible reductions in the negative potential window (0 to -2.2 V). Spectroelectrochemical studies have also been carried out for the bimetallic compound in the range of 300-1600 nm. With stepwise oxidation of the Ru(ii) centers replacement of MLCT bands by LMCT bands occur with the development of a broad band at λ(max) = 1260 nm, which is ascribed to inter-valence charge-transfer (IVCT) transition for the mixed-valence Ru(II)Ru(III) species. The anion sensing properties of the receptor were thoroughly investigated in acetonitrile solution using absorption, steady state and time-resolved emission spectroscopic studies. The anion sensing studies revealed that the receptor acts as sensor for F(-), AcO(-) and H(2)PO(4)(-). It is evident that in the presence of excess F(-) and AcO(-) ions, deprotonation of the imidazole N-H fragments of the receptor occurs, an event which is signaled by the change of color from yellow to orange visible to the naked eye. From the absorption and emission titration studies the binding/equilibrium constants of the receptor with the anions have also been determined. Anion-induced lifetime quenching by F(-) and AcO(-) and enhancement by H(2)PO(4)(-) makes the receptor a suitable lifetime-based sensor for selective anions. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements of the compound carried out in acetonitrile have provided evidence in favor of anion-dependent electrochemical responses with F(-) and AcO(-) ions.

Luminescent bis-tridentate ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes based on terpyridyl-imidazole ligand: synthesis, structural characterization, photophysical, electrochemical, and solvent dependence studies

Homo- and heteroleptic bis-tridentate ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes of compositions [(tpy-PhCH(3))Ru(tpy-HImzPh(3))](ClO(4))(2) (1), [(H(2)pbbzim)Ru(tpy-HImzPh(3))] (ClO(4))(2) (2) and [M(tpy-HImzPh(3))(2)](ClO(4))(2) [M = Ru(II) (3) and Os(II) (4)], where tpy-PhCH(3) = p-methylphenyl terpyridine, H(2)pbbzim = 2,6-bis(benzimidazole-2-yl)pyridine and tpy-HImzPh(3) = 4'-[4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-phenyl]-[2,2':6',2'']terpyridine, have been synthesized and characterized by using standard analytical and spectroscopic techniques. These compounds were designed to increase the room temperature excited-state lifetimes of bisterpyridine-type ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes. The X-ray crystal structures of two homoleptic complexes 3 and 4 have been determined and show that both the compounds crystallized in orthorhombic form with space group Fddd. The photophysical and redox properties of the complexes have been thoroughly investigated. All the complexes display moderately strong luminescence at room temperature with lifetimes in the range of 6-35 ns. The complexes are found to undergo one reversible oxidation in the positive potential window (0 to +1.6 V) and one irreversible and two successive quasi-reversible reductions in the negative potential window (0 to -2.0 V). The influence of solvents on the photophysical properties of the complexes has also been investigated in detail.

Monometallic and bimetallic ruthenium(II) complexes derived from 4,5-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)imidazole (H3Imbzim) and 2,2'-bipyridine as colorimetric sensors for anions: synthesis, characterization, and binding studies

Mixed-ligand monometallic and bimetallic ruthenium(II) complexes of compositions [(bpy)(2)Ru(H(3)Imbzim)](ClO(4))(2) x 2 H(2)O (1) and [(bpy)(2)Ru(H(2)Imbzim)Ru(bpy)(2)](ClO(4))(3) x CH(2)Cl(2) (2), where H(3)Imbzim = 4,5-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)imidazole and bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, have been synthesized and characterized using standard analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The X-ray crystal structures of both compounds have been determined and showed that 1 crystallized in the triclinic form with space group P1 and 2 is in the monoclinic form with space group P2(1)/m. The anion binding properties of complexes 1 and 2, as well as those of the parent H(3)Imbzim, were thoroughly investigated in an acetonitrile solution using absorption, emission, and (1)H NMR spectral studies, which revealed that both of the metalloreceptors act as sensors for F(-), for AcO(-), and, to some extent, for H(2)PO(4)(-). At a relatively lower concentration of anions, a 1:1 hydrogen-bonded adduct was formed; however, in the presence of an excess of anions, stepwise deprotonation of the two benzimidazole NH fragments occurred, an event that was signaled by the development of vivid colors visible with the naked eye. Double deprotonation was also observed in the presence of hydroxide. Less basic anions (AcO(-) and H(2)PO(4)(-)) induce deprotonation of only one NH. The effect of solvents on the absorption and emission spectral behavior has also been studied in detail. The binding affinities of different anions toward the receptors were evaluated and showed that the binding constants of 1 and 2 are substantially enhanced relative to free H(3)Imbzim because upon coordination to the Ru(II) center(s), H(3)Imbzim/H(2)Imbzim(-) becomes electron-deficient, thereby rendering the imidazole NH protons more available for hydrogen bonding to the anions. Cyclic voltammetry studies carried out in acetonitrile provided evidence of an anion-dependent electrochemical response with F(-) and AcO(-). Anion-induced lifetime shortening makes complex 2 a suitable lifetime-based sensor for anions.

Self-Assembled Light-Harvesting Systems: Ru(II) Complexes Assembled about Rh−Rh Cores

Ru(II) polypyridine species have been assembled about dirhodium(II, II) tetracarboxylate cores. The complexes prepared have general formulas [{(terpy)Ru(La)}n{Rh2(CH3COO)4-n(CH3CN)2}]2n+ (a-type compounds: terpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine; La = 4'-(p-carboxyphenyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine; n = 1, 1a; n = 2, cis-2a and trans-2a-cis and trans refer to the arrangement of the Ru(II) species around the dirhodium core; n = 3, 3a), [{(Lb)Ru(La)}n{Rh2(CH3COO)4-n(CH3CN)2}]2n+ (b-type compounds: Lb = 6-phenyl-2,4-di(2-pyridyl)-s-triazine; n = 1, 1b; n = 2, an inseparable mixture of cis-2b and trans-2b; n = 3, 3b; n = 4, 4b), and [{(terpy)Ru(Lc)}{Rh2(CH3COO)3(CH3CN)2}]2+ (1c; Lc = 6-(p-carboxyphenyl)-2,4-di(2-pyridyl)-s-triazine). As model species, also the mononuclear [(terpy)Ru(La)]2+ (5a), [(La)Ru(Lb)]2+ (5b), and [(terpy)Ru(Lc)]2+ (5c) have been prepared. All of the complexes have been characterized by several techniques, including NMR and mass spectra, and the stability of the various species is discussed. The absorption spectra of all of the compounds are dominated by the Ru(II) polypyridine moieties, showing intense ligand-centered (LC) bands in the UV region and intense metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) bands in the visible. The compounds exhibit several metal-centered oxidation and ligand-centered reduction processes, which have been assigned to specific subunits. Both absorption and redox data indicate a supramolecular nature of the assembled systems. Efficient energy transfer from the MLCT triplet state of the Ru-based components to the lowest-energy excited state of the dirhodium core takes place for the a-type compounds at 298 K in acetonitrile solution, whereas such a process is inefficient for the b-type and c-type species, which exhibit the typical MLCT emission. At 77 K in butyronitrile matrix, Ru-to-Rh2 energy transfer is partly efficient for both the a-type and the b-type compounds and is inefficient for 1c. The reasons for such behavior are discussed by taking into account arguments concerning the driving force and reorganization energy of the complexes.

Ruthenium(II) Complexes with Improved Photophysical Properties Based on Planar 4‘-(2-Pyrimidinyl)-2,2‘:6‘,2‘ ‘-terpyridine Ligands

A series of new tridentate polypyridine ligands, made of terpyridine chelating subunits connected to various substituted 2-pyrimidinyl groups, and their homoleptic and heteroleptic Ru(II) complexes have been prepared and characterized. The new metal complexes have general formulas [(R-pm-tpy)Ru(tpy)]2+ and [Ru(tpy-pm-R)2]2+ (tpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine; R-pm-tpy = 4'-(2-pyrimidinyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine with R = H, methyl, phenyl, perfluorophenyl, chloride, and cyanide). Two of the new metal complexes have also been characterized by X-ray analysis. In all the R-pm-tpy ligands, the pyrimidinyl and terpyridyl groups are coplanar, allowing an extended delocalization of acceptor orbital of the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited state. The absorption spectra, redox behavior, and luminescence properties of the new Ru(II) complexes have been investigated. In particular, the photophysical properties of these species are significantly better compared to those of [Ru(tpy)2]2+ and well comparable with those of the best emitters of Ru(II) polypyridine family containing tridentate ligands. Reasons for the improved photophysical properties lie at the same time in an enhanced MLCT-MC (MC = metal centered) energy gap and in a reduced difference between the minima of the excited and ground states potential energy surfaces. The enhanced MLCT-MC energy gap leads to diminished efficiency of the thermally activated pathway for the radiationless process, whereas the similarity in ground and excited-state geometries causes reduced Franck Condon factors for the direct radiationless decay from the MLCT state to the ground state of the new complexes in comparison with [Ru(tpy)2]2+ and similar species.