Nitrile ligands for controlled synthesis of alkynyl-ruthenium based homo and hetero bimetallic systems

Wire like mono- and poly-nuclear molecules based on alkynyl ruthenium complexes whose core unit is trans-[Ru(CC-R)(R′CN)(dppe)2][PF6] are readily formed in soft conditions. The electronic dual character of the metallic unit, donor through the acetylide moiety, acceptor versus the nitrile ligand is exemplified through electrochemical studies of a series of ethynylferrocene and cyanoferrocene derivatives. A single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the [(dppe)2(PhCC)Ru(NC-C6H4-CN)Ru(CCPh)(dppe)2][2PF6] bimetallic complex 5 shows that the global structure of such complexes consists of wire type dimetallic units. With the availability of this versatile, direct, and simple route, a new class of extended rigid rod systems of nanometric size with multilevel electron transfers is readily accessed.

Graphical abstractWire like mono- and poly-nuclear molecules based on alkynyl ruthenium complexes. Extended rigid rod systems of nanometric size with multilevel electron transfers whose core unit is based on alkynyl ruthenium complexes are readily accessed. Their electronic dual character is exemplified through electrochemical studies.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide