Efficient microwave-assisted synthesis and characterization of key ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes [Ru(bpy)3](PF6)2, [Ru(phen)3](PF6)2, [Ru(bpy)2(phen)](PF6)2 and [Ru(phen)2(bpy)](PF6)2

The efficient and reliable microwave synthesis of [Ru(bpy)3](PF6)2, [Ru(phen)3](PF6)2, [Ru(bpy)2(phen)](PF6)2, and [Ru(phen)2(bpy)](PF6)2 are reported (where bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). Solution NMR data are presented, including detailed 2D experiments.