The photonic and electrochemical properties of a novel Ru-phenolate based metallopolymer are reported. The complex undergoes a ruthenium based reversible oxidation at approximately +0.400 V and irreversible box ligand oxidation at +0.800 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Oxidation of thin films in aqueous electrolyte at +0.500 V reversibly switches the colour from wine red to light green and a red orange colour is observed for mixed redox composition. In contrast, oxidation at potentials more positive than +1.500 V shows no visible colour change but produces a change in the near infra-red region. To determine the electrochromic switching rate and to identify the rate determining step of the, scan rate dependent cyclic voltammetry was performed under semi-infinite linear diffusion conditions in aqueous lithium perchlorate. These data reveal that the homogeneous charge transport diffusion coefficient, D-CT, is 3.6 +/- 0.2 x 10(-13) cm(2) s(-1), i.e., under these conditions it takes approximately 90 s to fully oxidise a 100 nm thick film. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.