A series of 2,2'-bipyridines or 1,10-phenanthrolines featuring alkyl groups appended in the 4,4' positions or 4,7-positions have been prepared. There is an insulating role of the methylene spacers as the electrochemical reduction potentials of these compounds that is almost identical to that of 2,2'-bipyridine. Calculations for (CH.sub.2).sub.nCF.sub.3 derivatives (n=0-10) describes a limit for impact of CF.sub.3 through 9-10 methylenes. From both physical and theoretical data (CH.sub.2).sub.3(CF.sub.2).sub.x-1CF.sub.3 alkyl groups are inductively equivalent to hydrogen. Complexes of the present invention have the formula cis-LPtCl.sub.2 where L is a 4,4'-substituted-2,2'-bipyridine or a 4,7-substituted-1,10-phenanthroline. The substituents may preferably be normal, branched and cyclic alkyl groups, alkyl groups with ether linkages, highly fluorinated alkyl group, highly fluorinated alkyl groups with ether linkages, hydroxyl terminated alkyl groups, hydroxyl-terminated alkyl groups with ether linkages and perfluorinated alkyl groups.