Cross-π-conjugated enediyne with multitopic metal binding sites

The synthesis of an enediyne molecule functionlized with different metal coordination sites in a cross-π-conjugated fashion is reported. Using Pd-mediated cross-coupling reactions, 2,2′-bipyridine units were attached at the periphery of diazafluorenemethylidene to obtain a multitopic ligand. UV-vis spectrosopic investigations along with electrochemical analyses reveal electronic communication along the conjugated path reflected in red-shifted absorption spectra and shifts of reduction potentials. The properties of the ligand could be manipulated by coordinating [Ru(bpy)(2)](2+) fragments at all three coordination spheres of the molecule while the different complexing imine moieties serve as possible coordination sites for various metal centres.