Synthesis of a [NiRu] hydrogenase model complex with a modifiable OH group

Various types of artificial hydrogenase model complexes have been synthesized by imitating the active sites of natural [NiFe] hydrogenases. However, the control of their catalytic properties after synthesizing complexes by using modifiable groups is still difficult because predesigned modifiable groups can react easily with metal cations during multistep synthesis. In this study, we successfully synthesized a newly designed [NiRu] complex with modifiable OH groups, which could act as a homogeneous H₂ oxidation catalyst by using Cu2+ as an electron acceptor.