The bis-bidentate bridging function of gbha2- with N,O-/N,O- coordination was observed for the first time in the complex (mu-gbha)[Ru(III)(acac)2]2 (1). Density functional theory calculations of 1 yield a triplet ground state with a large (deltaE > 6000 cm(-1)) singlet-triplet gap. Intermolecular antiferromagnetic coupling was observed (J approximately -5.3 cm(-1)) for the solid. Complex 1 undergoes two one-electron reduction and two one-electron oxidation steps; the five redox forms [(mu-gbha)[Ru(acac)2]2]n (n = -2, -1, 0, +1, +2) were characterized by UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry (NIR = near infrared). The paramagnetic intermediates were also investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The monoanion with a comproportionation constant K(c) of 2.7 x 10(8) does not exhibit an NIR band for a Ru(III)/Ru(II) mixed-valent situation; it is best described as a 1,4-diazabutadiene radical anion containing ligand gbha*3-, which binds two ruthenium(III) centers. A Ru(III)-type EPR spectrum with g1 = 2.27, g2 = 2.21, and g3 = 1.73 is observed as a result of antiferromagnetic coupling between one Ru(III) and the ligand radical. The EPR-active monocation (K(c) = 1.7 x 10(6)) exhibits a broad (deltanu(1/2) = 2600 cm(-1)) intervalence charge-transfer band at 1800 nm, indicating a valence-averaged (Ru3.5)2 formulation (class III) with a tendency toward class II (borderline situation).