New surfactant ruthenium complexes, [Ru(X)(Y)(L8 or 12)](n+), were synthesized by the reaction of [RuCl2(eta 6-p-cymene)](2) with L8 or 12 in methanol or DMSO, where L8 or 12 stands for tetradentate 6,6’-bis(N-octyl- or laurylbenzimidazolyl)-2,2’-bipyridine. The complexes formed stable monolayer films on the Langmuir trough at the air-water interface and were transferred to a glass plate. The pi-A isotherms indicate the phase transition between expanded liquid state and the solid state at around 14 mNm(-1), and monolayer collapses at a pressure of 45 mNm(-1). This phase transition may be interpreted in terms of a change of molecular orientation. The structure of the LB films on glass were discussed.