Light-induced electron-transfer reactions involving the Tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium dication and related complexes. II. Effect of the 2-(Thiazol-2'-yl)pyridine ligand

Abstract

The complexes [Ru(bpy)_n(thpy)_3-n ]²⁺ [where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, thpy = 2-(thiazol-2'-yl)pyridine, and n = 2, 1 or 0] sensitize the photo reduction of water and inhibit the hydrogenation of methylviologen. Compared with Ru(bpy)₃²⁺, the turnover numbers of methylviologen are increased but the rates of formation and yields of hydrogen are lowered. Photophysical and kinetic data have been used to explain the observed effects.