Dicobalt cluster functionalized 2,2 ': 6 ',2 ''-terpyridine ligands and their ruthenium(II) complexes

A series of 2.2':6'.2"-terpyridine (tpy) ligands functionalized in the 4'-p osition with alkyne substituents has been prepared and characterized. Treat ment of these ligands with [RuCl3(tpy)] yields complexes with pendant alkyn e groups which then readily react with Co-2(CO)(8) to give novel compounds containing both cluster and classical coordination motifs. The new compound s are characterized by mass spectrometric and spectroscopic methods, and th e single crystal structure of [Ru(tpy)(4'-HC=CCH(2)Otpy)][PF6](2) is report ed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.