Redox-induced linkage isomerization detected in [Ru(NH3)5(NVF)](PF6)2(NVF = N-vinylformamide)

•A novel pentaammineruthenium(II) complex with N-vinylformamide is described•Linkage isomerization occurs in this complex when oxidizing Ru(II) to Ru(III)•This system can be applied in molecular memory devices

A new ruthenium (II) complex, of formula [Ru(NH3)5(NVF)](PF6)2, 1 (with NVF = N-vinylformamide) was synthesized and characterized by chemical analyses, spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. The presence of two coordination sites within NVF makes complex 1 capable of showing a redox-dependent linkage isomerization process, which was detected by cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemical measurements. Upon oxidation of the metallic center from Ru (II) to Ru (III) of complex 1 in N,N-dimethylformamide, linkage isomerization takes place from a vinyl-coordinated Ru(II) to an amide-coordinated Ru(III). This is an additional example of a system that can be applied in molecular memory devices or engines of a molecular machine.

Graphical abstractA pentaammineruthenium(II) complex with N-vinylformide presents a redox-induced linkage isomerization process from a vinyl-coordinated Ru(II) to an amide-coordinated Ru(III).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide