Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Determination of the Photoisomerization Quantum Yield of a Hydrazone Photoswitch
Published on: February 7, 2022
Phototriggered sulfoxide isomerization in [Ru(pic)2(dmso)2].
Aaron A Rachford1, Jeffrey L Petersen, Jeffrey J Rack
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA. rack@helios.phy.ohiou.edu
This study details the photochemistry of a ruthenium complex with picolinate (pic) and dimethyl sulfoxide (dmso) ligands. The complex shows significant isomerization, with different quantum yields for each dmso ligand.
Area of Science:
- Coordination Chemistry
- Photochemistry
- Ruthenium Complexes
Background:
- Ruthenium complexes with picolinate (pic) and dimethyl sulfoxide (dmso) ligands are investigated.
- The specific arrangement of ligands in [Ru(pic)2(dmso)2] is characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the photochemistry of a simple ruthenium coordination complex.
- To determine the isomerization quantum yields of dmso ligands in various solvents.
Main Methods:
- Cyclic voltammetry
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy
- Infrared (IR) spectroscopy
- UV-vis spectroscopy
Main Results:
- The ruthenium complex [Ru(pic)2(dmso)2] exhibits a high overall isomerization quantum yield (Phi(SS-->OO) = 0.50).
- Photochemical isomerization occurs for both dmso ligands, but only one isomerizes electrochemically.
- Individual dmso ligands show distinct isomerization quantum yields (Phi(SS-->SO) = 0.46 and Phi(SO-->OO) = 0.036).
- Isomerization quantum yield is influenced by the trans ligand to the dmso ligand.
Conclusions:
- The study provides insights into the photochemical behavior of ruthenium-picolinate complexes.
- Ligand arrangement significantly impacts the isomerization properties of dmso ligands in ruthenium complexes.
Related Concept Videos
Preparation and Reactions of Sulfides
Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Photochemical Activation
Oxidation of Alkenes: Syn Dihydroxylation with Osmium Tetraoxide
Preparation and Reactions of Thiols
Oxidation of Alcohols
The process of oxidation in a chemical reaction is observed in any of the three forms:
Thermal and Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Overview

![[(DPEPhos)(bcp)Cu]PF6: A General and Broadly Applicable Copper-Based Photoredox Catalyst](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F59739.jpg&w=3840&q=50)