Synthesis, characterization, photophysics and intramolecular energy transfer process in bimetallic rhenium(I)–ruthenium(II) complexes

Two new heterobimetallic complexes of rhenium(I) and ruthenium(II) [(CO)3(NN)Re(4,4′-bpy)Ru(NN)2Cl](PF6)2 and already known monometallic complexes [Cl(NN)2Ru(4,4′-bpy)](PF6) and [(CO)3(NN)Re(4,4′-bpy)](PF6) and bimetallic complexes [Cl(NN)2Ru(4,4′-bpy)Ru(NN)2Cl](PF6)2, [(CO)3(NN)Re(4,4′-bpy)Re(NN)(CO)3](PF6)2 (NN = 2,2′-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline; 4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine) are synthesized and characterized by spectral techniques. The photophysical properties of all the complexes are studied. It is found that attachment of rhenium(I) altered the photophysical characteristics of ruthenium(II). Excited state energy transfer from the rhenium(I) chromophore to the ruthenium(II) is observed upon excitation at 355 nm.

Graphical abstractTwo new heterobimetallic complexes of rhenium(I) and ruthenium(II) are synthesized along with already known monometallic and homobimetallic complexes and are characterized. It is found that attachment of rhenium(I) altered the photophysical characteristics of ruthenium(II). Excited state energy transfer from the rhenium(I) chromophore to the ruthenium(II) is observed.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide