Tuning intermetallic electronic coupling in polyruthenium systems via molecular architecture

A large number of polynuclear ruthenium complexes encompassing selective combinations of spacer (bridging ligand, BL) and ancillary (AL) functionalities have been designed. The extent of intermetallic electronic communication in mixed-valent states and the efficacy of the ligand frameworks towards the tuning of coupling processes have been scrutinised via structural, spectroelectrochemical, EPR, magnetic and theoretical investigations. Moreover, the sensitive oxidation state features in the complexes of non-innocent quinonoid bridging moieties have also been addressed.