Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Photodecarbonylation Study of a Dicarbonyl Ruthenium(II)-Bisquinoline Complex

A photoactivatable ruthenium(II) carbonyl complex [Ru(II)(BisQ)Cl(CO)2]PF6 2 was prepared using a tridentate bisquinoline ligand (BisQ = (2,6-diquinolin-2-yl)pyridin). Compound 2 was thoroughly characterized by standard analytical methods and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure of the complex cation reveals a distorted octahedral geometry. The CO release upon exposure to UV light was monitored by UV/VIS absorbance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies in acetonitrile and 1% (v/v) DMSO in water, respectively. The photodecarbonylation follows a stepwise CO release. The first CO release occurs very quickly whereas the second decarbonylation step proceeds more slowly. Moreover, the photoreaction in acetonitrile is more distinguished and faster than in 1% aq. (v/v) DMSO.