The complex [Ru(4,4 '-Me(2)bpy)(2)(AsPh3)(H2O)] (ClO4)(2) (4,4'-Me(2)bpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine) has been prepared and their spectral and redox properties has been investigated. The catalytic activity of the complex has been investigated at pH 7.0 in the homogeneous electrooxidation of benzyl alcohol, 1-phenylethanol and cyclohexene. The reactivity was found to decrease in the order 1-phenylethanol > benzyl alcohol > cyclohexene. The higher reactivity of this complex compared to the analogous complex [Ru(4,4 '-Me(2)bpy)(2)(PPh3)(H2O)](ClO4)(2) is attributed to the higher hydrophobic character of the arsine ligand. (c) 2005 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.