Metal-metal communication in diruthenium complexes of the bridging ligand bis(imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline)

► Perturbation of inner coordination sphere (ancillary ligands) of diruthenium complex leads to enhanced metal-metal communication. ► Perturbation of inner coordination sphere (bridging ligand) of diruthenium complex leads to enhanced metal-metal communication. ► Electrochemical reduction of diruthenium complexes results in monomer deposition.