Convergent syntheses of topologically linear heterotri- and heteropenta-nuclear complexes based upon bis{4′-(2,2′∶6′,2″-terpyridinyl)} ether

Abstract

In situ synthesis of the oxygen-linked dinucleating compound bis{4′-(2,2′∶6′,2″-terpyridinyl)} ether I by the reaction of ruthenium(II)-coordinated 4′-chloro-2,2′∶6′,2″-terpyridine ligands with 4′-hydroxy-2,2′∶6′,2″-terpyridine allowed the preparation of the mono- and di-nuclear complex ligands [(terpy)Ru(I)][PF₆]₂ and [(terpy)Ru(I)Ru(I)][PF₆]₂ in which I has one coordinated and one non-coordinated metal-binding domain. Subsequent reaction of these complex ligands with labile iron(II) or cobalt(II) salts allowed the preparation of the heterotri- and heteropenta-nuclear complexes [{(terpy)Ru(I)}₂M][PF₆]₆ and [{(terpy)Ru(I)Ru(I)}₂M][PF₆]₁₀ (M = Co or Fe). Spectroscopic and electrochemical studies on these novel topologically linear species are described.