A series of binuclear bis-terpyridyl ruthenium complexes with different substituents were synthesized and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. The UV/Vis and fluorescence spectra indicated that the non-substituted binuclear bis(terpyridyl) ruthenium(II) complex has similar properties to those with electron-donating groups such as methyl and alkoxyl on the organic conjugated bridge units. Furthermore, similar oxidation–reduction potentials were observed according to their electrochemical properties in CH2Cl2 solution.