Electrochemiluminescence of a Ruthenium Polypyridyl Cyanide Complex
The ability of Ru(bpy)₂(py)C1⁺ (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine; py=pyridine) to bind CN⁻ has prompted an investigation into its photoluminescence and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) properties. Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ is known to produce light in an electrochemiluminescence system with tri-n-propylamine (TPA). The system has been well studied and widely used in clinical and laboratory diagnostics. Polypyridyl ruthenium complexes containing cyanide have also been shown to have strong visible absorptions and ground and excited state properties that make them potentially useful in practical application. However, their ECL has never been reported. The electrochemiluminescence of Ru(bpy)₂(py)CN⁺ in acetonitrile (CH₃CN), and 50:50 (v/v) CH₃CN/H₂O were studied. Upon oxidation in the presence of tri-n-propylamine, an oxidative reductive coreactant, ECL is observed. ECL has also been observed from Ru(bpy)₂(py)CN⁺ generated in situ by the reaction of Ru(bpy)₂(py)C1⁺ and CN⁻.
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