Alexander R. Parent

[Ru(bpyPO 3 H 2 )(bpy)Cl]Cl (bpyPO 3 H 2 =6,6’‐bipyridin‐2‐yl)phosphonic acid) and [Ru(tpy)(MepyPO 3 H 2 )Cl]Cl (MepyPO 3 H 2 =(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)phosphonic acid) were synthesized and characterized spectroscopically and electrochemically. Each compound was found to exhibit proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET). In the case of [Ru(bpyPO 3 H 2 )(bpy)Cl]Cl, a Ru(V/IV) couple was detected at 1.4 V vs . NHE. Each complex was tested for its ability to catalyze C−H bond oxidation using a variety of sacrificial oxidants, and it was found that under aqueous conditions [Ru(bpyPO 3 H 2 )(bpy)Cl]Cl oxidizes secondary C−H bonds using sodium periodate (NaIO 4 ) as the primary oxidant.