This study reports the synthesis and characterization of a,new ruthenium complex that acts as a molecular catalyst for organic compounds oxidation. The cis-[Ru(BAP)(bPY)(PPh3)(OH2)](ClO4)(2) complex, a precursor monomer, was analyzed by UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy and used to build new modified electrodes, using carbon rod and carbon felt as substrates. The characterization of these modified electrode surfaces was realized by cyclic voltammetry and the catalytic activity of the films immobilized on the surfaces was tested for the selective oxidation of several organic substrates by heterogeneous electrolysis. The kinetic parameters and yield were better than those obtained by homogeneous catalysis using similar ruthenium complexes. The results allowed to demonstrate the formation of a polymeric film from the ruthenium complex, as well as, to establish the mechanisms for the selective oxidation of the organic species tested. (c) 2014 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.