Photophysical properties and applications of Re(I) and Re(I)–Ru(II) carbonyl polypyridyl complexes

This review focuses on the photophysical properties of rhenium(I) tricarbonyl moieties of the type [Re(CO)3(NN)L] (where NN = polypyridyl ligand and L = chloride or nitrogen donor atom) and their importance to the area of inorganic chemistry. Processes such as electron transfer, energy transfer and photodissociation are also highlighted. The second aspect of this review highlights the photophysical properties of dinuclear ruthenium(II)–rhenium(I) complexes, with particular emphasis on the importance of the electronic properties of the bridging ligand between the metal centres. Applications of such complexes include CO2 reduction, DNA cleavage, and biological labels for various therapeutic, diagnostic, and mechanistic applications.