Two heterotrinuclear oligomeric complexes [trans-RuCl(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]Cpy-4)(dppm)(2)](2)[MCl(2)] (M = Pd ; M = Pt ) are prepared from the metalloligand trans-[RuCl(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]Cpy-4)(dppm)(2)] (dppm = Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2), ). The resultant linear alignment of the metals [Ru-M-Ru] is imposed by a combinative use of trans-directed spacers and planar metals with trans-juxtaposed donor sites. Ligand exchange of with [Pd(CH(3)CN)(4)][PF(6)](2) gives trans-[Ru(CH(3)CN)(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]Cpy-4)(dppm)(2)][PF(6)] (). All complexes are characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and solution spectroscopy. Acid-base titration on suggested protonation of the pendant pyridyl. Complexes and also undergo protonation at the C[triple bond, length as m-dash]C moiety under acid conditions. The inter-conversion of alkynyl and vinylidene functionality is described. The dual acid and base characters of makes it a potential metalloligand towards basic and acidic fragments in multinuclear heterometallic assemblies.