We report the synthesis, crystal structure, electrochemical and spectroscopic properties oftrans-[Ru(MQ)4Cl2]4+(14+), where MQ+ = N-methyl-4,4′-bipyridinium. The crystal structure of14+shows the pyridinic rings bound in atransfashion to the Ru ion. In14+and in its analogtrans-[Ru(4,4′-bpy)4Cl2] (2, bpy = bipyridine), the electrochemical reduction waves of the four iminic ligands occur at very closely spaced potentials. In comparison with previously reported analogues,14+and2present high molar extinction coefficients (ε= 20,000–50,000 M–1cm–1), and red-shifted absorptions (up to 800 nm for14+and up to 600 nm for2) in acetonitrile. Upon protonation of the four exposed nitrogens of2and electrochemical reduction of the ligands in14+and2, spectral changes occur with retention of isosbestic points, revealing the presence of four independent chromophores. These results suggest poor electronic communication between the aromatic ligands within each compound, in contrast to related complexes such ascis-[Ru(2,2′-bpy)2Cl2] (3). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]