Synthesis of a Linear Assembly Consisting of a Central Ru(Phen)32+ Derivative and Two Peripheral Porphyrins

A ruthenium(II) precursor complex containing a bis-phenanthroline ligand, leading to a controlled helical structure around the metal centre, and a third phenanthroline-type ligand has been prepared. The spatial arrangement of the system is such that two chemical groups are disposed trans to one another on an axis running through the Ru centre. By appropriate functional group transformation, these two groups can be attached to monosubstituted zinc(II) porphyrins (PZn) to afford a linear array consisting of a central ruthenium(II) complex and two peripheral PZn motifs. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2002)