Structural, electronic and acid/base properties of [Ru(bpy(OH)2)3]2+ (bpy(OH)2 = 4,4'-dihydroxy-2,2'-bipyridine).

We have synthesized the complex [Ru(bpy(OH)(2))(3)](2+) (bpy(OH)(2) = 4,4'-dihydroxy-2,2'-bipyridine) containing ligands that can be readily deprotonated. Both experimental and computational techniques were utilized to perform a thorough analysis of the structural and electronic properties of the complex in both the protonated and deprotonated state. The complex [Ru(bpy(OMe)(2))(3)](2+) (bpy(OMe)(2) = 4,4'-dimethoxy-2,2'-bipyridine) was also synthesized and studied, because the bpy(OMe)(2) ligand has electron-donating properties like bpy(OH)(2), but does not contain deprotonatable groups.