The direct electrochemical synthesis of zinc and cadmium catecholates and related compounds

Abstract

The electrochemical oxidation of either zinc or cadmium (= M) in acetone solutions of o-C 6H 4(OH) 2 (= R(OH) 2) gives M(O 2R) in good yield. The advantages of this method are discussed. When neutral mono- or bidentate donors are present in the solution, the products are the 1:2 or 1:1 adducts of M(O 2R). Similar results ar reported for 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene and 2,2′dihydroxybiphenyl. A preliminary crystal structure determination on Zn(O 2C 6H 4)(phen) 2·2C 6H 4(OH) 2 (phen) = 1.10-phenanthroline) shows the presence of a ZnO 2N 4 kernel; each oxygen atom of the catecholate ligand is hydrogen-bonded to both hydrogens of a neutral C 6H 4(OH) 2 molecule.