Our long term goals are to (i) achieve both molecular electronic and optoelectronic wires based on metal alkynyl compounds, and (ii) understand the mechanism charge / energy transfer therein. Earlier work focused on Ru₂-alkynyl framework, and voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical studies revealed facile charge transfer across the carbon-rich bridges. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and break-junction measurements of Au-bound Ru₂-alkynyl species confirmed excellent intrinsic conductance. Robust flash memory devices have been fabricated with Ru₂-alkynyl as the active species. More recent work has been focused on the development of metal alkynyl chemistry based on earth-abundant 3d metal complexes supported by polyaza-macrocycles (L), primarily cyclam and its derivatives. A rich variety of M(L)(C₂R)X, M(L)(C₂R)₂ and M(L)(C₂R)(C₂R') type compounds with M as Cr, Fe, Co and Ni has been uncovered. As a special case of the latter type complexes, donor-bridge-acceptor compounds have been prepared and the dynamics of photo-induced electron transfer is being investigated.