Synthesis, crystal structure and electronic properties of [3.3]metaparacyclophane-bridged bimetallic ruthenium alkynyl complexes

•[3,3]Metaparacyclophanes have been used as bridge ligands.•Single crystal X-ray structures are obtained for all of the complexes.•Substituent effect of intramolecular edge-to-face interactions has been studied.•–CN, –NO2 substituents can enhance the stabilities of mono oxidized species.

A series of [3,3]metaparacyclophanes bridged bimetallic ruthenium complexes have been designed, synthesized and characterized. 1H NMR and X-ray crystal structure studies revealed that there are prominent intramolecular edge-to-face interaction in these diruthenium complexes, both in the solution and solid states. Electrochemical analyses indicated that the electron-withdrawing substituent groups (–CN, –NO2) can enhance the thermodynamic stability of corresponding mixed-valence species.

Graphical abstractThe intramolecular edge-to-face interactions within the bridging ligand have been well established by single crystal X-ray structure analysis. Substituent effects on the electronic properties of these bimetallic complexes have been studied by UV-Vis and cyclic voltammetry.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide