Aromatic TpyRu2+(L)2Cl derivatives as water oxidation catalysts (Tpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine, Ru = ruthenium, L = pyridine or isoquinoline)

Abstract Several mononuclear complexes with structure of [TpyRu 2+ (Py) 2 Cl] + and [TpyRu 2+ (Isoq) 2 Cl] + have been designed and synthesized. The structures of these complexes were confirmed by NMR and ESI-MS, the properties of all catalysts were also characterized optically and electrochemically. Water oxidation experiments were examined by turnover numbers (TONs), which showed the catalytic properties of all catalysts. In comparison, pyridine functionalized 1a - 1d have more catalytic activities than isoquinoline coordinated complexes 2a - 2d . It was also observed that attached polycyclic aromatic groups on the terpyridines had limited impact on catalytic activities. Among these ruthenium complexes, Ph-TpyRu 2+ (Py) 2 Cl exhibited the highest TON of 897.