Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

A Novel Technique for Generating and Observing Chemiluminescence in a Biological Setting
Published on: March 9, 2017
Chemiluminescence reactions with cationic, neutral, and anionic ruthenium(II) complexes containing 2,2'-bipyridine
Paul S Francis1, Dimitra Papettas, Elizabeth M Zammit
1School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia. psf@deakin.edu.au
Abstract:
Ruthenium complexes containing 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline disulfonate (bathophenanthroline disulfonate; BPS) ligands, Ru(BPS)(3)(4-), Ru(BPS)(2)(bipy)(2-) and Ru(BPS)(bipy)(2), were compared to tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bipy)(3)(2+)), including examination of the wavelengths of maximum absorption and corrected emission intensity, photoluminescence quantum yield, stability of their oxidised ruthenium(III) form, and relative chemiluminescence intensities and signal-to-blank ratios with cerium(IV) sulfate and six analytes (codeine, morphine cocaine, potassium oxalate, furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide) in acidic aqueous solution. The presence of BPS ligands in the complex increased the photoluminescence quantum yield, but decreased the stability of the oxidised form of the reagent. In contrast to previous evidence showing much greater electrochemiluminescence intensities using Ru(BPS)(2)(bipy)(2-) and Ru(BPS)(bipy)(2), these complexes did not provide superior chemiluminescence signals than their homoleptic analogues.
Related Concept Videos
Photoluminescence: Applications
Metal-Ligand Bonds
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...
Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect
Variables Affecting Phosphorescence and Fluorescence
Preparation and Reactions of Sulfides
Complexometric Titration: Ligands

