Through-conjugation of two phosphaalkyne ('C[triple bond, length as m-dash]P') moieties mediated by a bimetallic scaffold.

Through-conjugation of two phosphaalkyne moieties within an isolable molecule is demonstrated for the first time with the synthesis of [{Ru(dppe)(2)}(2){mu-(C equivalent to C)(2)C6H4-p}(C equivalent to P)(2)], via base-induced desilylation of [{Ru(dppe)(2)}(2){mu-(C equivalent to C)(2)C6H4-p}(eta(1)-P equivalent to CSiMe3)(2)](2+). The nature of the cyaphide ligands and their influence upon the bimetallic core are studied electrochemically.