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Nanocomposite materials consist of nanometer-sized quantum objects such as atoms, molecules, voids or nanoparticles embedded in a host material. These quantum objects can be exploited as a super-structure, which can be designed to create material properties targeted for specific applications. For electromagnetism, such targeted properties include field enhancements around the bandgap of a semiconductor used for solar cells, directional decay in topological insulators, high kinetic inductance in superconducting circuits, and many more. Despite very different application areas, all of these properties are united by the common aim of exploiting collective interaction effects between quantum objects. The literature on the topic spreads over very many different disciplines and scientific communities. In this review, we present a cross-disciplinary overview of different approaches for the creation, analysis and theoretical description of nanocomposites with applications related to electromagnetic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabricating patterned nanostructures with matter waves can help to realise new nanophotonic devices. However, due to dispersion effects, designing patterns with nanoscale features is challenging. Here, we consider the propagation of a helium matter wave through different holes in hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) as a case study for the weakest dispersion interaction and the matter wave's diffraction as it passes through the holes. We use a quantum-mechanical model to calculate the polarisability of edge atoms around the holes, where we observe polarisation ripples of enhanced and reduced polarisabilities around the holes. We use these values to calculate van der Waals dispersion coefficients for the scattered helium atoms. We find that the resulting diffraction patterns are affected by the shape and size of the holes, where the smallest holes have a radius of just 6 Å. These results can be used to predict the resolution limits of nano-hole patterns on nanophotonic materials., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Gas hydrates (GHs) in water close to freezing temperatures can be stabilised via the formation of ice layers. In a recent work [Boström et al. , Astron. Astrophys. , A54 , 650, 2021], it was found that a surface region with partial gas dilution could be essential for obtaining nano- to micron-sized anomalously stabilizing ice layers. In this paper, it is demonstrated that the Casimir-Lifshitz free energy in multi-layer systems could induce thinner, but more stable, ice layers in cavities than those found for gas hydrates in a large reservoir of cold water. The thickness and stability of such ice layers in a pore filled with cold water could influence the leakage of gas molecules. Additional contributions, e.g. from salt-induced stresses, can also be of importance, and are briefly discussed.

The processing and material properties of commercial organic semiconductors, for e.g. fullerenes is largely controlled by their precise arrangements, specially intermolecular symmetries, distances and orientations, more specifically, molecular polarisabilities. These supramolecular parameters heavily influence their electronic structure, thereby determining molecular photophysics and therefore dictating their usability as n-type semiconductors. In this article we evaluate van der Waals potentials of a fullerene dimer model system using two approaches: (a) Density Functional Theory and, (b) Macroscopic Quantum Electrodynamics, which is particularly suited for describing long-range van der Waals interactions. Essentially, we determine and explain the model symmetry, distance and rotational dependencies on binding energies and spectral changes. The resultant spectral tuning is compared using both methods showing correspondence within the constraints placed by the different model assumptions. We envision that the application of macroscopic methods and structure/property relationships laid forward in this article will find use in fundamental supramolecular electronics.

Considering ice-premelting on a quartz rock surface (i.e. silica) we calculate the Lifshitz excess pressures in a four layer system with rock-ice-water-air. Our calculations give excess pressures across (1) ice layer, (2) water layer, and (3) ice-water interface for different ice and water layer thicknesses. We analyse equilibrium conditions where the different excess pressures take zero value, stabilized in part by repulsive Lifshitz interactions. In contrast to previous investigations which considered varying thickness of only one layer (ice or water), here we present theory allowing for simultaneous variation of both layer thicknesses. For a given total thickness of ice and water, this allows multiple alternative equilibrium solutions. Consequently the final state of a system will depend on initial conditions and may explain variation in experimental measurements of the thicknesses of water and ice layers.

We present a theory for Casimir-Polder forces acting on greenhouse gas molecules dissolved in a thin water film. Such a nano-sized film has been predicted to arise on the surface of melting ice as stabilized by repulsive Lifshitz forces. We show that different models for the effective polarisability of greenhouse gas molecules in water lead to different predictions for how Casimir-Polder forces influence their extractions from the melting ice surface. For instance, in the most intricate model of a finite-sized molecule inside a cavity, dispersion potentials push the methane molecules towards the ice surface whereas the oxygen typically will be attracted towards the closest interface (ice or air). Previous models for effective polarisability had suggested that O 2 would also be pushed towards the ice surface. Release of greenhouse gas molecules from the surface of melting ice can potentially influence climate greenhouse effects. With this model, we show that some molecules cannot escape from water as single molecules. Due to the contradiction of the results and the escape dynamics of gases from water, we extended the models to describe bubble filled with several molecules increasing their buoyancy force.

The title complexes were isolated as structurally characterised compounds [Os II (9-OP)L 2 ]ClO 4 , L = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) or 2-phenylazopyridine (pap), and were compared with ruthenium analogues. A reversible one-electron oxidation and up to three reduction processes were observed by voltammetry (CV, DPV) and spectroelectrochemistry (UV-vis-NIR, partially EPR). Supporting calculations (DFT, TD-DFT) were used to assess the oxidation state combinations of the different redox active ligands and of the metal, revealing the effects of Os versus Ru exchange and of bpy versus pap acceptor ligation. Several unexpected consequences of these variations were observed for members of the new osmium-containing redox series. Remarkably, the EPR results exhibit a clear dichotomy between the complex ion [Os III (9-OP - )(bpy) 2 ] 2+ and the radical species [Os II (9-OP˙)(pap) 2 ] 2+ , which has not been similarly observed for the analogous [Ru III (9-OP - )L 2 ] 2+ systems. This difference, unprecedented for 5d n systems, is attributed to the superior stabilisation of the Os II state by the strongly π-accepting pap ligands. The reduced forms [Os II (9-OP - )(pap˙ - )(pap)] and [Os II (9-OP - )(pap˙ - ) 2 ] - exhibit strong inter-ligand interactions, leading to spin isomers and electron hopping.

1,2,4,5-Tetracyanobenzene (TCNB) was reacted with [Cu(dppf)(CH3CN)2](BF4) and [Cu(dchpf)(CH3CN)](BF4), dppf = 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene and dchpf = 1,1'-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ferrocene, to produce a heterotetranuclear metallamacrocycle 1, {[Cu(dppf)(μ-TCNB)](BF4)}2, and a heterooctanuclear complex 2, [{Cu(dchpf)}4(μ4-TCNB)](BF4)4. Complex 1 is the first example of a structurally characterised discrete transition metal complex of TCNB. Upon crystallisation attempts, compound 2 formed the structurally identified coordination polymer 3, {[Cu(dchpf)(μ-TCNB)]2(BF4)2}n. Structural and spectroscopic analyses confirmed the redox-innocent behaviour of TCNB in 1, 2 and 3. However, the soluble compounds 1 and 2 could be oxidised and reduced spectroelectrochemically (UV-vis, IR, and EPR). The oxidation occurs invariably at the ferrocene sites without notable splitting of redox potentials. Reduction involves the TCNB bridging ligands to produce radical complexes. As a variably bridging acceptor component of supramolecular structures the TCNB ligand thus adopts an intermediate position between the highly electron transfer-active TCNE, TCNQ and TCNQF4 systems and the numerous redox-innocent bridges.

Five diruthenium(II) complexes [Cl(L)Ru(μ-tppz)Ru(L)Cl] (1-5) containing differently substituted β-diketonato derivatives (1: L = 2,4-pentanedionato; 2: L = 3,5-heptanedionato; 3: L = 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato; 4: L = 3-methyl-2,4-pentanedionato; 5: L = 3-ethyl-2,4-pentanedionato) as ancillary ligands (L) were synthesized and studied by spectroelectrochemistry (UV-Vis-NIR, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)). X-ray structural characterisation revealed anti (1, 2, 5) or syn (3) configuration as well as non-planarity of the bis-tridentate tppz bridge and strong dπ(Ru(II)) → π*(pyrazine, tppz) back-bonding. The widely separated one-electron oxidation steps, Ru(II)Ru(II)/Ru(II)Ru(III) and Ru(II)Ru(III)/Ru(III)Ru(III), result in large comproportionation constants (K(c)) of ≥10(10) for the mixed-valent intermediates. The syn-configurated (n) exhibits a particularly high K(c) of 10(12) for n = 1+, accompanied by density functional theory (DFT)-calculated minimum Ru-N bond lengths for this Ru(II)Ru(III) intermediate. The electrogenerated mixed-valent states 1(+)-5(+) exhibit anisotropic EPR spectra at 110 K with average values of 2.304-2.234 and g anisotropies Δg = g(1)-g(3) of 0.82-0.99. Metal-to-metal charge transfer (MMCT) absorptions occur for 1(+)-5(+) in the NIR region at 1660 nm-1750 nm (ε ≈ 2700 dm(3) mol(-1) cm(-1), Δν(1/2) ≈ 1800 cm(-1)). DFT calculations of 1(+) and 3(+) yield comparable Mulliken spin densities of about 0.60 for the metal ions, corresponding to valence-delocalised situations (Ru(2.5))(2). Rather large spin densities of about -0.4 were calculated for the tppz bridges in 1(+) and 3(+). The calculated electronic interaction values (V(AB)) for 1(+)-5(+) are about 3000 cm(-1), comparable to that for the Creutz-Taube ion at 3185 cm(-1). The DFT calculations predict that the Ru(III)Ru(III) forms in 1(2+)-5(2+) prefer a triplet (S = 1) ground state with ΔE (S = 0 - S = 1) ∼5000 cm(-1). One-electron reduction takes place at the tppz bridge which results in species [Cl(L)Ru(II)(μ-tppz˙(-))Ru(II)(L)Cl](-) (1˙(-)-3˙(-), 5˙(-)) which exhibit free radical-type EPR signals and NIR transitions typical of the tppz radical anion. The system 4(n) is distinguished by lability of the Ru-Cl bonds.

The combination of two highly non-innocent ligands with a third-row transition metal produces the title complex ion which was crystallised as [Os(Q)(2)(bpy)](ClO(4))·C(6)H(6) (Q = 4,6-di-tert-butyl-o-iminobenzoquinones, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) and could be structurally characterised to exhibit a tris-chelate situation at the metal with trans-positioned N and cis-positioned O donor atoms. The metrical ligand parameters are in agreement with two partially reduced ligands. A 3-spin interaction (Q˙(-))Os(III)(Q˙(-)) can rationalise the observed S = 1/2 situation with ligand-centred resulting spin. Ligand-based spin is confirmed by DFT (calculated spin populations Q: 1.113; Os: -0.113; bpy: 0.001) and is also apparent from the EPR signal (g(1) 1.981, g(2) 1.955, g(3) 1.803, Δg 0.178, 1.915) which is influenced by the high spin-orbit coupling constant of the osmium centre. The susceptibility measurements reveal antiferromagnetic behaviour. A one-electron oxidation and two one-electron reductions could be monitored spectroelectrochemically (UV-VIS-NIR) and analysed by TD-DFT, in comparison with the results from the ruthenium analogue. The analysis reflects the strong orbital mixing between the metal and the two Q-ligand MOs.

The neutral title compounds with Q = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-quinone or 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-phenyl-o-iminobenzoquinone (Q(x)) were studied by UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry and by EPR spectroscopy in the case of the odd-electron monocation and monoanion intermediates. Supported by DFT and TD-DFT calculations, the results indicate stepwise electron removal from predominantly ligand-based delocalised MOs on oxidation whereas the stepwise electron uptake on reduction involves unoccupied MOs with considerably metal-ligand mixed character. In both cases, the strong near-infrared absorption of the neutral precursors diminishes. In comparison to the ruthenium series, the osmium analogues exhibit larger transition energies from enhanced MO splitting and a different EPR response due to the higher spin-orbit coupling. The main difference between the quinone (1(n), 2(n)) and corresponding monoiminoquinone systems (3(n), 4(n)) is the shift of about 0.6 V to lower potentials for the monoimino analogues. While the absorption features do not differ markedly, the EPR data reflect a higher degree of covalent bonding for the complexes with monoimino ligands.

Oxidation at a redox-active ligand is shown to enhance reactivity at the metal center and makes it susceptible to chemical reactions which also include H(2) activation., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012)

The electrochemical behaviour of the complexes [Re(CO)(3)X(α-diimine)], X = Cl or Br, α-diimine = 1,4-di-tert-butyl-1,4-diaza-1,3-diene, was reinvestigated using cyclic voltammetry accompanied by IR and UV-vis spectroelectrochemistry. While the reduction results in the loss of halide, as necessary for the electrocatalytic activity of related diimine compounds, a reversible oxidation could be observed for the chloro complex 1 (X = Cl). The conversion of 1 to 1(+) in CH(2)Cl(2) or CH(3)CN is accompanied by high-frequency shifts (Δν = 73-114 cm(-1)) of the three carbonyl stretching bands, by a considerable change in carbonyl stretching modes, and by changed absorption in the visible region. DFT calculations support the spectroelectrochemical results and suggest an unusually large g anisotropy (g(1) 1.38, g(2) 2.06, g(3) 3.20) which explains the absence of detectable EPR signals for 1(+) under normal X band conditions. Frontier orbitals calculated by DFT for 1 reveal two close lying occupied orbitals (HOMO, HOMO-1) with Re-Cl character and a diimine based LUMO.

Compounds of the form [(pap)M(Q(2-))] (pap = phenylazopyridine; Q = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-benzoquinone, M = Pd, 1a and 1b, M = Pt, 2a and 2b; Q = 4-tert-butyl-benzoquinone, M = Pd, 3a and 3b; M = Pt, 4a and 4b) were synthesized in a one-pot reaction. The geometrical isomers, which are possible because of the built in asymmetry of these ligands, have been separated by using different temperatures and variable solubility. Structural characterization of 1b shows that the metal centers are in a square planar environment, the pap ligand is in the unreduced neutral state and the quinones are in the doubly reduced, Q(2-) catecholate form. Cyclic voltammetric measurements on the complexes display two one-electron oxidations and two one-electron reductions. EPR and vis-NIR spectra of the one-electron oxidized forms of the complexes indicate that the first oxidation takes place on the Q(2-) ligands to produce a metal bound semiquinone (Q˙(-)) radical. Reduction takes place on the pap ligand, generating metal bound pap˙(-) as seen from the (14)N (I = 1) coupling in their EPR spectrum. All the complexes in their [(pap)M(Q(2-))] neutral forms show strong absorptions in the NIR region which are largely LLCT (ligand to ligand charge transfer) in origin. These NIR bands can be tuned over a wide energy range by varying the metal center as well as the Q ligand. In addition, the intensity of NIR bands can be switched on and off by a simple electron transfer at relatively low potentials. DFT studies were used to corroborate these findings.

The new, potentially ambidentate heterocyclic ligand 2,3-bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)quinoxaline (bmiq) was obtained from 2,3-bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)glyoxal and 1,2-diaminobenzene. Its coordination to PtCl(2) and to the isoelectronic [AuCl(2)](+) in [AuCl(2)(bmiq)](AuCl(4)) occurs via the imine N donors of the imidazolyl groups, leading to the formation of seven-membered chelate rings with boat conformation. According to the spectroelectrochemistry (UV-vis-NIR, EPR), the reversible electron addition to the [PtCl(2)(bmiq)] and the free ligand takes place in the (non-coordinated) quinoxaline part of the molecule, similarly as for related complexes of dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazines (dppz), 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)quinoxalines (bpq) and 2,3-bis(dialkylphosphino)quinoxalines (QuinoxP). DFT calculations confirm the experimental results (structures, spectroscopy) and also point to the coordination potential of the quinoxaline N atoms. The electron addition to [AuCl(2)(bmiq)](+) takes place not at the ligand but at the metal site, according to experimental and DFT results.

Meso- and rac-configurated diastereoisomers [Ru(2)(acac)(4)(mu-Q)] have been separated and identified as Ru(II)-Q(0) species through a crystal structure analysis of the meso form. The presence of two redox-active {Ru(acac)(2)} groups (acac(-) = 2,4-pentanedionate) and quinonoid Q with two equivalent pi-conjugated alpha-diimine chelate sites and one p-quinone function allowed for the full cyclic voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical (UV-vis-NIR, IR, EPR) characterisation of the five accessible states (2-, 1-, 0, 1+ and 2+ forms) for both isomers. Oxidation occurs at the metal ions to produce Ru(II)Ru(III) mixed-valent states [Ru(2)(acac)(4)(mu-Q)](+) (K(c) approximately 10(4.5)) with corresponding EPR features but without detectable intervalence absorption in the near infrared region. IR-spectroelectrochemistry reveals opposite frequency shifts for the nu(C=O) and nu(NH) stretching vibrations on reduction and oxidation, in agreement with the assumed electronic structure. Reduction leads to strongly stabilised [Ru(2)(acac)(4)(mu-Q)](-) states (K(c) approximately 10(11)) which show weak NIR shoulders around 1040 nm. The EPR characteristics are remarkably different for the two isomeric monoanions, reflecting presumably flexible geometry and electronic structure. The observation of broad but detectable EPR resonance at room temperature in solution and the g factor anisotropy in the glassy frozen state at 110 K suggest a rather evenly metal-ligand mixed singly occupied MO. Together with the ZINDO calculations and the partial experimental results reported previously by Masui et al. (Inorg. Chem., 2000, 39, 141) for [Ru(2)(bpy)(4)(mu-Q)](n+) (n = 2, 3, 4), the characteristic differences provide an insight into the electronic features such as mixed valency manifestations and the variable extent of mixing of the metal-quinone frontier orbitals of these systems involving Ru(II)-stabilised Q which is unknown as a free ligand.

The compounds OsCl2L2 (1), RuCl2L2 (2) and Ru(acac)2L (3), Ldegrees = N-phenyl-o-quinonediimine and acac- = 2,4-pentanedionato, have been synthesised and electrochemically, spectroscopically and structurally characterised with the support of detailed DFT calculations. For the new osmium compound 1, the average values for CNH (1.331 A), CNPh (1.345 A) and CC(meta) bond lengths at 1.360 A agree more with an o-semiquinonediimine than with an o-quinonediimine formulation for the coordinated ligand, whereas the latter assignment is more appropriate to describe the ruthenium analogue 2 (average bond lengths of 1.308, 1.324 and 1.348 A, respectively). In turn, the corresponding average bond lengths in 3 (1.333, 1.352 and 1.350 A, respectively) are suggestive of an o-semiquinonediimine ligand. DFT calculations confirm the structural data and describe the electronic structures related to the oxidation state assignments. The stabilisation of trivalent ruthenium by electron donating acac- in 3 = RuIII(acac)2(L*-) and the preference of osmium for higher oxidation states (here: OsIVCl2(L*-)2 in 1) as compared to ruthenium analogues (here: RuIICl2(Ldegrees)2 in 2) in otherwise similar setting is responsible for these results. Oxidation of the diamagnetic complexes proceeds to partly EPR and UV-VIS spectroelectrochemically detectable cations with metal-centered spin, suggesting the following formulations: [OsIIICl2(Ldegrees)2]+ for 1+, [RuIIICl2(Ldegrees)2]+ for labile 2+, and [RuIII(acac)2(Ldegrees)]+ for 3+. In the case of 3, reversible metal-centered reduction results in ligand-based spin as compatible with a [RuII(acac)2(L*-)]- situation for 3-.

A series of homoleptic complexes with non-innocent ligands derived from N,N'-bis(pentafluorophenyl)-o-phenylenediamine (H(2)(F)pda) are reported. [Ni(II)((F)sbqdi)(2)] (1), [Pd(II)((F)sbqdi)(2)] (2), [Co(II)((F)sbqdi)(2)] (3), and [Cu(II)((F)sbqdi)(2)] (4) were synthesized, where ((F)sbqdi)(1-) represents a radical anion formed by one-electron oxidation of the doubly deprotonated H2(F)pda. The oxidation states of ligands and metals in complexes 1-4 were assigned by single crystal X-ray crystallography performed at low temperatures. Complex 4 is the first Cu(II) complex where both o-phenylenediamine derived ligands are monoanionic radicals. The bulky N-C6F5 substituents force the complexes 1, 3, and 4 to adopt a twisted geometry (intermediate between square-planar and tetrahedral). The electronic structures of the neutral compounds 1-4 and of some of their cationic and/or anionic neighboring redox states were probed using EPR and UV-VIS-NIR spectroelectrochemistry. The twisted geometry of the complexes results in considerable changes in their electronic structures compared to the well known square-planar complexes while the strongly electron withdrawing N-C6F5 groups have a great influence on redox properties.

Reaction of {(mu-bpym)[RuCl(terpy)]2}(PF6)2, bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine and terpy = 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine, with NaNO2 yields {(mu-bpym)[Ru(NO2)(terpy)]2}(PF6)2. In CH3CN/0.1 M Bu4NPF6 both dinuclear complexes can undergo two reversible bpym-centered one-electron reduction processes and two metal-centered one-electron oxidation steps, the latter involving mixed-valent intermediates with weak intermetallic coupling. Acidification of {(mu-bpym)[Ru(NO2)(terpy)]2}(PF6)2 does not lead to the expected {(mu-bpym)[Ru(NO)(terpy)]2}6+ but, probably because of the high charge, to the insoluble but structurally and IR-spectroscopically characterised pseudo-base product syn-{(mu-bpym-(4-OH))[Ru(NO)(terpy)]2}(PF6)5. The addition of one hydroxide to one of the 4-positions of bis-chelating bpym interrupts the aromatic pi conjugation and is accompanied by corresponding intra-pyrimidine bond length variations, however, the effect on the electronic interaction of the two different syn positioned {RuNO}6 moieties remains small, possibly due to their situation within the central molecular pi plane.

Structurally characterised 2,5-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)pyrazine (H2L) can be partially or fully deprotonated to form the complexes [(acac)2Ru(mu-L)Ru(acac)2], [1], acac = acetylacetonato = 2,4-pentanedionato, [(pap)2Ru(mu-L)Ru(pap)2](ClO4)2, [2](ClO4)2, pap = 2-phenylazopyridine, or [(pap)2Ru(HL)](ClO4), [3](ClO4). Several reversible oxidation and reduction processes were observed in each case and were analysed with respect to oxidation state alternatives through EPR and UV-VIS-NIR spectroelectrochemistry. In relation to previously reported compounds with 2,2'-bipyridine as ancillary ligands the complex redox system [1]n is distinguished by a preference for metal-based electron transfer whereas the systems [2]n and [3]n favour an invariant Ru(II) state. Accordingly, the paramagnetic forms of [1]n, n = -, 0, +, exhibit metal-centred spin whereas the odd-electron intermediates [2]+, [2](3+) and [3] show radical-type EPR spectra. A comparison with analogous complexes involving the 3,6-bis(2-oxidophenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine reveals the diminished pi acceptor capability of the pyrazine-containing bridge.

The rare bridging mode of 1,4-bis(2-phenolato)-1,4-diazabutadiene = glyoxalbis(2-hydroxyanil) (L(2-)) is adopted in {(mu-L(2-))[Ru11(bpy)22}2+ (1(2+)), obtained as bis-perchlorate. Four well accessible redox forms of 1(n) (n = 4+, 3+, 2+, +) have been characterised by UV-VIS-NIR spectroelectrochemistry. The (3+) and (+) intermediates have also been investigated by EPR, both showing radical-type signals close to g = 2. This observation stands in stark contrast to EPR results previously obtained for the related {(mu-L)[Ru(acac)2]2(n), n = + and -, both of which exhibit metal-centred spin. In combination with the UV-VIS-NIR spectra these results suggest the preferential involvement of the multistep ligand redox system L(n-) in the electron transfer processes. The relative stabilisation of Ru11 by pi-accepting bpy is made responsible for the oxidation of the ligand L(2-) instead of the metal.

Crystallographically characterised 3,6-bis(2'-pyridyl)pyridazine (L) forms complexes with {(acac)2Ru} or {(bpy)2Ru2+}via one pyridyl-N/pyridazyl-N chelate site in mononuclear Ru(II) complexes (acac)2Ru(L), 1, and [(bpy)2Ru(L)](ClO4)2, [3](ClO4)2. Coordination of a second metal complex fragment is accompanied by deprotonation at the pyridazyl-C5 carbon {L --> (L - H+)-} to yield cyclometallated, asymmetrically bridged dinuclear complexes [(acac)2Ru(III)(mu-L - H+)Ru(III)(acac)2](ClO4), [2](ClO4), and [(bpy)2Ru(II)(mu-L - H+)Ru(II)(bpy)2](ClO4)3, [4](ClO4)3. The different electronic characteristics of the co-ligands, sigma donating acac- and pi accepting bpy, cause a wide variation in metal redox potentials which facilitates the isolation of the diruthenium(III) form in [2](ClO4) with antiferromagnetically coupled Ru(III) centres (J = -11.5 cm(-1)) and of a luminescent diruthenium(II) species in [4](ClO4)3. The electrogenerated mixed-valent Ru(II)Ru(III) states 2 and [4]4+ with comproportionation constants Kc > 10(8) are assumed to be localised with the Ru(III) ion bonded via the negatively charged pyridyl-N/pyridazyl-C5 chelate site of the bridging (L - H+)- ligand. In spectroelectrochemical experiments they show similar intervalence charge transfer bands of moderate intensity around 1300 nm and comparable g anisotropies (g1-g3 approximatly 0.5) in the EPR spectra. However, the individual g tensor components are distinctly higher for the pi acceptor ligated system [4]4+, signifying stabilised metal d orbitals.

A divinylphenylene bridged diruthenium complex constitutes an ensemble of three coupled redox systems. Spectroelectrochemistry provides evidence that the oxidation processes are dominated by the organic bridge.

Predominantly NO-centered reduction was observed by EPR and IR spectroelectrochemistry to occur reversibly at low temperatures for [Cl(5)Ir(NO)](-). In contrast, the [Cl(5)Ru(NO)](2-) ion was found to undergo only irreversible reduction but reversible oxidation to a ruthenium(III) species at -40 degrees C. DFT calculations were used to establish the electronic structures and to rationalise the different stabilities. The calculations also reveal orientation-dependent energies and EPR properties between staggered and eclipsed conformations.

A complete EPR and UV-Vis-NIR spectroelectrochemical characterisation has been carried out for the series 1(2+/+/0/-/2-) where is the 1 new complex [(mu-L)[Ru(II)(acac)2]2], L = 3,3',4,4'-tetraimino-3,3',4,4'-tetrahydrobiphenyl. The paramagnetic intermediates are identified as the anion radical (L*-) complex 1*- with a long-wavelength intra-ligand transition at 2160 nm and as the weakly coupled diruthenium(II,III) species 1+ (Kc= 10(3)) with a low-intensity intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) band at 1570 nm. DFT calculations using ADF and Gaussian 03 programs support these assignments.

The compound [[(acac)2Ru]3(L)] (1) undergoes three well-separated one-electron oxidation and reduction processes. The EPR results indicate electron removal from the ruthenium(II) centres on oxidation and the occupation of a largely L-based molecular orbital on reduction. In spite of well-separated (DeltaE > or = 340 mV) oxidation no obvious intervalence charge transfer bands were detected in the Vis, NIR or IR regions, suggesting very weak electronic coupling between the metal centres in the mixed-valent intermediates 1+ and 1(2+). The separated (DeltaE > or = 540 mV) stepwise reduction produces weak near-infrared features associated with partially occupied pi* orbitals of L, the unusually high g anisotropy in the EPR spectrum of 1- is attributed to the occupation of a degenerate MO by the unpaired electron.