Synthesis, characterization and redox properties of mono- and bis-β-diketonate ruthenium complexes

Abstract

Complexes of the type [RuIII(L)Cl2(PPh3)2] and [RuII(L)2(PPh3)2] (HL=benzoylacetone or acetylacetone) have been synthesized by the reaction of [RuCl2(PPh3)3] with HL under various experimental conditions. The [RuIII(L)Cl2(PPh3)2] complexes are one-electron paramagnetic species and, in solution, they show intense LMCT transitions in the visible region together with weak ligand-field transitions at lower energies. The [RuII(L)2(PPh3)2] complexes are diamagnetic and their solutions show sharp 1H n.m.r. signals and also show intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. In MeCN solution, the [RuIII(L)Cl2(PPh3)2] complexes show a reversible RuIII-RuII reduction near −0.3V and an irreversible RuIII- RuIV oxidation near 1.2 V versus s.c.e. A reversible RuII-RuIII oxidation is displayed by the [RuII(L)2(PPh3)2] complexes in MeCN solution near 0.3 V versus s.c.e. followed by another reversible RuIII-RuIV oxidation near 1.1 V versus s.c.e. The [RuII(L)2(PPh3)2] complexes have been oxidized to the corresponding [RuIII(L)2(PPh3)2]+ analogues and isolated as ClO4− salts in the solid state. The oxidized complexes are one-electron paramagnetic. They are 1:1 electrolytes in solution and show intense LMCT transitions in the visible region along with weak ligand-field transitions at lower energies.