This review covers recent progress in the construction of metal complex wires on various substrates via the stepwise coordination method, their functions, and the electrochemical evaluation of bis(terpyridine) metal complex oligomer wires on electrodes. In the layer-by-layer process of metal complex wire construction, various combinations of anchor ligands, metal sources, and bridging ligands have been used. The prepared structures show multiple functions, including photocurrent generation, catalytic activity, insulation properties, and long-range electron transport abilities. The electron transport behavior, and the long-range electron transport abilities from the terminal redox site to the electrode via bis(terpyridine)metal complex wires, were evaluated using potential step chronoamperometry. The remarkable long-range electron transport abilities were evidenced in the small values for the attenuation factor, beta. The influence of the building blocks in the metal complex wires on the beta value and the electron transfer rate constant was demonstrated. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.