Through-conjugation of two phosphaalkyne (‘CP’) moieties mediated by a bimetallic scaffold†

Through-conjugation of two phosphaalkyne moieties within an isolable molecule is demonstrated for the first time with the synthesis of [{Ru(dppe)2}2{µ-(CC)2C6H4-p}(CP)2], via base induced desilylation of [{Ru(dppe)2}2{µ-(CC)2C6H4 p}Cl2]. The nature of the cyaphide ligands and their influence upon the bimetallic core are studied electrochemically.