Synthesis and photophysical properties of ruthenium(II) isocyanide complexes containing 8-quinolinolate ligands

Chi Fai Leung, Siu Mui Ng, Jing Xiang, Wai Yeung WONG, Michael Hon Wah Lam, Chi Chiu Ko*, Tai Chu Lau

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A series of ruthenium(II) bis(8-quinolinolato) complexes bearing isocyanide ligands (RNC) have been synthesized by the reaction of [RuQ3] (Q = 8-quinolinolate) with RNC in the presence of Zn/Hg. These complexes have the general formula [RuQ2(RNC)2] (1, R = tert-butyl; 2, R = 4-MeOPh; 3, R = 4-ClPh; 4, R = 2,4,6-Br3Ph). Both the yellow cis,cis,trans (a) and orange-red trans,trans,trans (b) isomers have been isolated for complexes 1-4. trans,trans,trans-[Ru(Tol-Q)2('BuNC)2] (6, HTol-Q = 8-hydroxyl-5-tolylquinoline) has also been prepared from [Ru(PPh3)2Cl2]. The structures of 2a, 3a, and 4b have been determined by X-ray crystallography. These complexes exhibit an intense absorption band in the UV region (λmax = 320-390 nm) with molar extinction coefficients (ε) on the order of 104 dm3 mol-1 cm-1 and a moderately intense absorption with e on the order of 103 dm3 mol-1 cm-1 at 400-492 nm. The intense absorption at 320- 390 nm is assigned to the ligand-centered π→π transitions of the quinolinolate ligands, probably mixed with the π→π transitions of the isocyanide ligands. The lower energy absorptions at 400-492 nm are assigned to Ru(dπ)→π(Q) metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions. Upon excitation at λ > 350 nm, la-3a in dichloromethane solution exhibit orange-red luminescence (645-680 nm). In 77 K EtOH/MeOH glass, complexes 1-4 and 6 give intense structured emission spectra (593-638 nm). The cyclic voltammograms (CV) of 1a-4a generally exhibit an irreversible or quasi-reversible RuIII/II couple at the potential range of 0.02-0.38 V vs Fc+/Fc, except in the case of la, where a reversible Ru III/II and a quasi-reversible RuIV/III (0.68 V vs Fc+/Fc) couple are observed. The potential for the RuIII/II couple increases with the π-accepting ability of the isocyanide ligands. In the CV of 1b-4b, a reversible RuIII/II (-0.16 to 0.065 V) and quasi-reversible RuIV/III (0.70-0.85 V) couple are observed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5709-5714
Number of pages6
JournalOrganometallics
Volume28
Issue number19
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 Oct 2009

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry

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