Ruthenium Tris(Bipyridine) Complexes: Interchange Between Photons And Electrons In Molecular-Scale Devices And Machines

This review deals with a very peculiar molecule, [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) (bpy: 2,2'-bipyridine), and its interaction with photons and electrons. We summarize the properties that make [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) and related compounds a unique family of "clever" molecules which find application as components of chemical species capable of processing optical and electrical signals to perform a variety of interesting functions. Examples discussed in the article, that showcase the realization of these concepts with molecular and supramolecular systems, include molecular wires, switches, antennas and mechanical machines. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.