The S-S bond undergoes a reductive cleavage when 2,2 '-dithiobis(5-nitropyridine) is reacted with Ru(bpy)(2)Cl-2 (bpy = 2,2 '-bipyridine) and yields the monocationic species [Ru(bpy)(2)(S-Py-NO2)](+). The synthesized complex Ru(N5S)(+) was characterized by UV-visible (UV-Vis), cyclic voltammetry, FT-IR, H-1-NMR, and X-ray. The H-1-NMR spectra show a set of signals according to low complex symmetry. The electrochemistry analysis showed a quasi-reversible Ru-III/II wave observed at 0.78 V versus Ag/AgCl. X-ray structural analysis revealed a distorted octahedral coordination sphere around the metal. The octahedral N5S chromophore surrounding the metal ion is formed via two trans N and S atoms and four nitrogen atoms from two bis(2,2 '-bipyridiyl) ligands. The distortion provoked by an N,S-schelating short-bite ligand has already been shown in similar derivatives. In the title compound, this effect is more dramatic since the four-membered ring presents more strain, and this effect is similar to the previously analyzed four-membered N,S-chelating short-bite ligand.