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Title: Static and time-resolved spectroscopic studies of low-symmetry Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes

Journal Article · · Journal of Physical Chemistry A: Molecules, Spectroscopy, Kinetics, Environment, amp General Theory
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/jp9919415· OSTI ID:20000068

The spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of a series of four Ru{sup II} polypyridyl complexes are reported. Compounds of the form [Ru(dmb){sub x}(dea){sub 3{minus}x}]{sup 2+} (x = 0--3), where dmb is 4,4{prime}-dimethyl-2,2{prime}-bipyridine and dea is 4,4{prime}-bis(diethylamino)-2,2{prime}-bipyridine, have been prepared and studied using static and time-resolved electronic and vibrational spectroscopies as a prelude to femtosecond spectroscopic studies of excited-state dynamics. Static electronic spectra in CH{sub 3}CN solution reveal a systematic shift of the MLCT absorption envelope from a maximum of 458 nm in the case of [Ru(dmb){sub 3}]{sup 2+} to 518 nm for [Ru(dea){sub 3}]{sup 2+} with successive substitutions of dea for dmb, suggesting a dea-based chromophore as the lowest-energy species. However, analysis of static and time-resolved emission data indicates an energy gap ordering of [Ru(dmb){sub 3}]{sup 2+} > [Ru(dmb){sub 2}(dea)]{sup 2+} > [Ru(dea){sub 3}]{sup 2+} > [Ru(dmb)(DEA){sub 2}]{sup 2+}, at variance with the electronic structures inferred from the absorption spectra. Nanosecond time-resolved electronic absorption and time-resolved step-scan infrared data are used to resolve this apparent conflict and confirm localization of the long-lived {sup 3}MLCT state on dmb in all three complexes where this ligand is present, thus making the dea-based excited state unique to [Ru(dea){sub 3}]{sup 2+}. Electrochemical studies further reveal the origin of this result, where a strong influence of the dea ligand on the oxidative Ru{sup II/III} couple, due to {pi} donation from the diethylamino substituent, is observed. The electronic absorption spectra are then reexamined in light of the now well-determined excited-state electronic structure. The results serve to underscore the importance of complete characterization of the electronic structures of transition metal complexes before embarking on ultrafast studies of their excited-state properties.

Research Organization:
Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE; American Chemical Society
DOE Contract Number:
FG03-96ER14665
OSTI ID:
20000068
Journal Information:
Journal of Physical Chemistry A: Molecules, Spectroscopy, Kinetics, Environment, amp General Theory, Vol. 103, Issue 35; Other Information: PBD: 2 Sep 1999; ISSN 1089-5639
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English