diffraction analysis has been carried out for two dinuclear complexes [Ru2(trpy)2(L)](μ-bpp-bz)}2+ (L = Cl and OAc) and for the tetranuclear complex [Ru2(trpy)2(μ-OAc)]2(μ-(bpp)2-m-xyl)}4+. The capacity of the tetranuclear aqua complexes [Ru2(trpy)2(H2O)2]2(μ-(bpp)2-u-xyl)}6+ and the dinuclear homologue [Ru2(trpy)2(H2O)2](μ-bpp-bz)}3+ to act as water-oxidation catalysts has been evaluated using cerium(IV)