Photochromic and Electrochromic Properties of Ruthenium Alkynyl Complexes Based on Dithienylethene Unit

A novel binuclear ruthenium alkynyl complexes with dithienylethene unit [{(MePh-tpy)(PPh3)2RuCl}2(C≡C-DTE-C≡C)](ClO4)2 (II) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and NMR spectra. Its photochromic behaviors and redox properties have also been investigated. The results indicated that the open-ring isomers of the metal complex could be triggered, either by light or electricity, to convert to their closed forms.