Spectroscopic and electrochemical correlations in triangular ruthenium clusters containing N-heterocyclic ligands

A series of clusters of general formula [Ru sub(3) O (OOCCH sub(3)) sub(6) L sub(3)] sup(+), where L = N-heterocyclic ligands, were synthesized and characterized based on elemental analysis. UV-VIS and IR spectra. Voltametric studies revealed the existence of up to six acessible oxidation states, with a high degree of electronic delocalization. The Ru sub(3) O trigonal center possesses many delocalized electrons and can be visualized as a source of electrons. The ligands coordinated to the clusters tune their redox potentials, determine the differences in their electronic spectra, and are responsible for the special conditions required for their synthesis. (author)