Binuclear ion containing nitrogen as a bridging group.

A binuclear ion ([NH(3))5RuN(2)Ru(NH(3))(5)](5)+ is formed by the direct reaction of N(2) with an aqueous solution of (NH(3))(5)RuOH(2)(2+) at room temperature. The binuclear ion is also formed by the reversible reaction of (NH(3))5RuOH(2)(2+) with (NH(3))(5)RuN(2)(2+). Solid [(NH(3))(5)RuN(2)Ru(NH(3))(5)] (BF(4))(4) has been prepared, and its ultraviolet and infrared spectra are reported.