Synthesis of Triple‐Stranded Diruthenium(II) Compounds

Abstract

AbstractA series of ligands containing a 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazole unit have been used for the formation of triple‐stranded dinuclear Ru(II) complexes. In contrast to the previously reported complexes of labile metals, the use of inert Ru(II) enabled stereoisomeric mixtures of triple‐stranded diruthenium(II) complexes to be accessed. The chromatographic resolution of the enantiomers of a reported helicate containing a more rigid 1,4‐xylyl spacer was carried out on cellulose. The ligand spacer was modified and as the flexibility increased the production of isomeric mixtures was detected; the mesocate and helicate forms were separated when an n‐propyl spacer was used. This pair of diastereomers was found to exhibit photoconversion, a unique observation for Ru(II) compounds of this type. Partial separation via chromatographic resolution was achieved for compounds containing an n‐butyl spacer, and the presence of a mesocate/helicate pair confirmed.