Ru{double bond, long}O complexes as catalysts for oxidative transformations, including the oxidation of water to molecular dioxygen

This paper presents a short review related to the chemistry of the Ru{double bond, long}O group with data extracted from recent reports described in the literature by the authors of the present review and others. It was presented as an oral contribution to the 2005-Adhoc meeting held in Köln, Germany. The main thermodynamic characteristics of mononuclear complexes containing the Ru{double bond, long}O group are described and the effects produced by different type of electronic perturbations are analyzed through the ligands. Furthermore, an example of heterogenization of a Ru{double bond, long}O complex through a polypyrrol conductive polymer on a graphite electrode and its consequences are also described. Finally a description of complexes bearing two Ru{double bond, long}O groups is carried out with special attention to those complexes that in their higher oxidation states are capable of oxidizing water to molecular dioxygen. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.