The experimental UV and CV of five substituted 2-hydroxybenzophenones in solvents acetonitrile, n-dimethylformamide and dimethylsulfoxide are presented. Results obtained were used to determine their experimental highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and the results were compared to their theoretical model. The derivatives with an electron withdrawing group (EWG) have more favourable reduction potential, electron affinity, lower dipole moment, lower LUMO and HOMO energy levels and longer absorption λ max compared to those containing an electron donating group. Acetonitrile enhances the reduction potential especially for those of derivatives with EWG, leading to higher reduction potential compared to solvents DMF and DMSO.

Research highlights • Ru III/IV , Ru III/II redox couples, as well as ligand based reduction of Rh II complex • Separate Ru III/IV redox couples for fac and mer isomers • DFT calculations provide understanding of the locus of the observed redox couples

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