One Scaffold, Many Possibilities – Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Azide–Alkyne Cycloadditions, Strain‐Promoted Azide–Alkyne Cycloadditions, and Maleimide–Thiol Coupling of Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes

Abstract

The applicability of RuII polypyridyl complexes with appropriate functionalities as substrates for biorthogonal coupling reactions is investigated. In detail, copper(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloadditions (CuAAC), strain‐promoted azide–alkyne cycloadditions (SPAAC), and maleimide–thiol coupling reactions of ruthenium complexes are examined. The first examples of SPAAC in which the organic azide is provided by the metal complex are presented. All of the chromophores belong to one easy‐to‐synthesize scaffold, which has proven to be convenient for the application of metal chromophores. The fundamental photophysical properties of the examined compounds do not change with substitution, which is important for the design of chromophore conjugates. Furthermore, the limitations of CuAAC reactions will be discussed with regard to copper impurities in the products formed.