Photo-/Electroinduced Irreversible Isomerization of 2,2'-Azobispyridine Ligands in Arene Ruthenium(II) Complexes

Novel arene Ru-II complexes containing 2,2'-azobispyridine ligands were synthesized and characterized by using H-1 and C-13 NMR spectroscopy, UV/vis spectroscopy, electrochemistry, DFT calculations and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Z-configured complexes featuring unprecedented seven-membered chelate rings involving the nitrogen atom of both pyridines were isolated and were shown to undergo irreversible isomerization to the corresponding E-configured five-membered chelate complexes in response to light or electrochemical stimulus.

Automated summary

Novel arene Ru-II complexes containing 2,2'-azobispyridine ligands were synthesized and characterized, showing unprecedented seven-membered chelate rings and irreversible isomerization to corresponding five-membered chelate complexes under light or electrochemical stimulus.