The synthesis of 5-pinacolato-2,2'-bipyridine and its applicability in cross-coupling reactions is reported. The use of this framework in Suzuki type cross-coupling reactions, together with a recently published way to achieve indolization has been used to synthesize new spiropyran systems attached to two bipyridine moieties. The indolization method followed, is based on an 'in situ' hydrolysis/Fischer cyclization protocol reported by Buchwald and co-workers. The synthesis of a new phenanthroline based spirooxazine attached to a bipyridine moiety is also reported. One of the spiropyran system was used as a ligand to form a ruthenium metal complex. There photophysical properties were tested with respect to the application as sensitizer in functionalized, wire-type bridging ligands in heteronuclear metal complexes. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.