A new RuIIRhIII bimetallic with a single Rh–Cl bond as a supramolecular photocatalyst for proton reduction

Abstract

A new Ru^IIRh^III structural motif [(bpy)₂Ru(dpp)RhCl(tpy)]⁴⁺ with one halide on the Rh^III center demonstrates light-driven proton reduction ability, establishing that two halide ligands are not mandatory despite all prior systems containing a cis-RhCl₂ catalytic site. This new design provides a novel approach to modulate Rh^III redox behavior and catalytic activity with insight into catalytic intermediates.