Proton reduction using cobalt glyoximes with isothiocyanate and aniline axial ligands

Abstract

Cobaloxime model complexes containing aniline derivatives and isothiocyanate as the axial ligands Co(dmgH)2XY (dmgH=dimethylglyoxime, X=NCS, Cl and Y=aniline, pyridine) have been synthesized and used as proton reduction catalysts. Using acetic acid as the proton source in acetonitrile, cyclic voltammetry studies have shown that these complexes are comparable to the well-known Co(dmgH)2(pyridine)Cl complex as a potent catalyst in terms of the overpotential and catalytic efficiency of proton reduction. In particular, we have shown that aniline derivatives can be used as possible pyridine alternatives in cobaloximes in our continuing search for an even more efficient proton reduction catalyst.