Selective synthesis and electrochemical behavior of trans(Cl)- and cis(Cl)-[ru(bpy)(CO)2Cl2] complexes (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine). Comparative studies of their electrocatalytic activity toward the reduction of carbon dioxide

Electrochemical reduction leads to a dimer in the case of the cis(Cl) isomer, while the trans(Cl) isomer prompts the formation of a polymeric film of [Ru(bpy)(CO)2]n. The presence of a single chloride ligand in a mixed trans-(chloro/ester) complex also leads to the creation of a similar dimer. The dimers show very strong electrocatalytic activity toward CO2 reduction. They have intense coloration and characteristic spectroscopic properties.