Abstract
The reactions of Ru(tpy)Cl3 (tpy = 2,2';6',2"-terpyridine) with new N,N,C-terdentate ligands, 3,2'-annulated-6-(2"-pyridyl)-2-phenylpyridines (1, HL) and the properties of their Ru(II) complexes are described. The distribution ratio of the two possible Ru(II) complexes, a pentaaza-coordinated complex [Ru(tpy)(1-N,N')Cl]+ and a cycloruthenated complex [Ru(tpy)(La-N,N',C)]+ are highly dependent on the length of the polymethylene unit. The trimethylene bridge of the N,N,C-terdentate in pentaaza-coordinated complex is rigid enough to induce an asymmetry in the complex.