cis-Bis(2,2'-bipyridine-kappa N-2,N')bis(pyridin-4-amine-kappa N-1)ruthenium(II) bis(hexafluoridophosphate) acetonitrile monosolvate

In the title complex, [Ru(C10H8N2)(2)(C5H6N2)(2)](PF6)(2)center dot CH3CN, the Ru-II atom is bonded to two alpha-diimine ligands, viz. 2,2'-bipyridine, in a cis configuration and to two 4-aminopyridine (4Apy) ligands in the expected distorted octahedral configuration. The compound is isostructural with [Ru(C10H8N2)(2)-(C5H6N2)(2)](ClO4)(2)center dot CH3CN [Duan et al. (1999). J. Coord. Chem. 46, 301-312] and both structures are stabilized by classical hydrogen bonds between 4Apy ligands as donors and counter-ions and acetonitrile solvent molecules as acceptors. Indeed, N-H center dot center dot center dot F interactions give rise to an intermolecularly locked assembly of two centrosymmetric complex molecules and two PF6- counter-ions, which can be considered as the building units of both crystal architectures. The building blocks are connected to one another through hydrogen bonds between 4Apy and the connecting pieces made up of two centrosymmetric motifs with PF6- ions and acetonitrile molecules, giving rise to ribbons running parallel to [011]. 21-Screw-axis-related complex molecules and PF6- counterions alternate in helical chains formed along the a axis by means of these contacts.