Conversion of oxido-bridged dinuclear ruthenium complex to dicationic dinitrosyl ruthenium complex using proton and nitric oxide: completion of NO reduction cycle.

The hydroxido-bridged dinuclear ruthenium complex 4, which is supported by Tp ligands, has been prepared from protonation of the oxido-bridged dinuclear ruthenium complex 3. Additional protonation of 4, affording the aqua-bridged dinuclear ruthenium complex 5 in situ, and subsequent treatment with NO gave rise to the dicationic dinitrosyl complex 2. These indicate completion of the NO reduction cycle on the dinuclear ruthenium complex.