IR Spectroelectrochemical Studies Research Articles

Mechanism Studies in Electrochemical Depolymerization Processes of Alkali and Organosolv Lignin

AbstractTo better understand the process and mechanism of lignin structural changes and relative product formation during PbO2 anode electrolysis, a Ti/Sb−SnO2/PbO2 composite electrode has been prepared and utilized for the alkaline electrolytic oxidation of both alkali lignin (AL) and bagasse organosolv lignin (OL). By combining electrochemical measurements, in‐situ FTIR, 2D‐HSQC NMR, and product distribution analysis, we not only investigate the impact of influence factors on the process of lignin depolymerization, but also reveal the depolymerization mechanism from the whole process of lignin structural changes in details. Under certain electrolysis conditions, the highest vanillin yield, 10.1 mg g−1, has been obtained through the electrolysis of alkali lignin, whereas the highest syringaldehyde yield of 4.0 mg g−1 has been achieved during the electrolysis of organic solvent lignin. In particular, AL mainly performs depolymerization through the selective cleavage C−C bonds to produce a series of G unit monomer products of vanillin, acetovanillone, and vanillic acid. By contrast, the depolymerization of OL shows significant selectivity in H units. Particularly, the production of the major H unit monomer product of 4‐vinylphenol has been confirmed by IR spectroelectrochemical studies from the oxidation and decarboxylation of p‐coumaric acid unit.

The Use of Bridging Ligand Substituents to Bias the Population of Localized and Delocalized Mixed-Valence Conformers in Solution.

The electronic structure and associated spectroscopic properties of ligand‐bridged, bimetallic ‘mixed‐valence’ complexes of the general form {M}(μ‐B){M+} are dictated by the electronic couplings, and hence orbital overlaps, between the metal centers mediated by the bridge. In the case of complexes such as [{Cp*(dppe)Ru}(μ‐C≡CC6H4C≡C){Ru(dppe)Cp*}]+, the low barrier to rotation of the half‐sandwich metal fragments and the arylene bridge around the acetylene moieties results in population of many energy minima across the conformational energy landscape. Since orbital overlap is also sensitive to the particular mutual orientations of the metal fragment(s) and arylene bridge through a Karplus‐like relationship, the different members of the population range exemplify electronic structures ranging from strongly localized (weakly coupled Robin‐Day Class II) to completely delocalized (Robin‐Day Class III). Here, we use electronic structure calculations with the hybrid density functional BLYP35‐D3 and a continuum solvent model in combination with UV‐vis‐NIR and IR spectroelectrochemical studies to show that the conformational population in complexes [{Cp*(dppe)Ru}(μ‐C≡CArC≡C){Ru(dppe)Cp*]+, and hence the dominant electronic structure, can be biased through the steric and electronic properties of the diethynylarylene (Ar) moiety (Ar=1,4‐C6H4, 1,4‐C6F4, 1,4‐C6H2‐2,5‐Me2, 1,4‐C6H2‐2,5‐(CF3)2, 1,4‐C6H2‐2,5‐iPr2).

Estimation of Electron Distribution over Dinuclear Organometallic Molecular Wires by "IR Tag" Analysis of Ancillary Acyl-Cp Ligands.

Understanding the details of electronic properties of mixed-valence (MV) states of organometallic molecular wires is essential to gain insights into electron transfer phenomena. Although the field of MV chemistry is matured, there remain issues to be solved, which cannot be accessed by the conventional analytical methods. Here, we describe the synthesis and properties of diruthenium bridging (diethynylbenzene)diyl wires, (μ-p and m-C≡C-C6H4-C≡C){RuCpR(dppe)}2 1, with the acyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl rings [CpR: Cpe; η5-C5H4COOMe (a-series: ester derivatives), Cpa; η5-C5H4COMe (b-series: acetyl derivatives)], which are installed as IR-tags to estimate electron densities at the metal centers in the MV species. The electrochemical and IR/near IR-spectroelectrochemical studies reveal that the two metal centers in the para-isomers p-1a,b + interact with each other more strongly than those in the meta-isomers m-1a,b + . Electron-spin resonance study also supports the radicals being delocalized over the Ru-(p-C≡C-C6H4-C≡C)-Ru moieties in p-1a,b + . The spectroelectrochemical IR study shows significant higher-energy shifts of the ν(C=O) vibrations brought about upon 1e-oxidation. Spectral simulation on the basis of the Bloch equations allows us to determine the electron transfer rate constants (k et) between the two metal centers being in the orders of 1012 s-1 ( p-1 + ) and 109 s-1 ( m-1 + ). The shifts of the ν(C=O) bands reveal that the charge densities on the para-isomers p-1a,b + are widely delocalized over the Ru-(p-C≡C-C6H4-C≡C)-Ru linkages in contrast to the meta-isomers m-1a,b + , where the electron densities are mainly localized on the metal fragments, as supported by the density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory studies as well as comparison with the reference mononuclear acetylide complexes, C6H5-C≡C-RuCpR(dppe) 2. We have successfully demonstrated that the carbonyl groups (>C=O) in the ancillary Cp ligands also work as IR-tags to report detailed information on the electron densities at the metal centers and the electron distribution over MV complexes as well.

Impact of the 2Fe2P core geometry on the reduction chemistry of phosphido-bridged diiron hexacarbonyl compounds

The effect of core geometry constraints of hydrogenase H-cluster analogues on reduction chemistry have been explored by a combination of structural, electrochemical and IR spectroelectrochemical (IR-SEC) studies. A series of phosphido-bridged diiron hexacarbonyl complexes, Fe2(µ2-PPh2(CH2)xPPh2)(CO)6, x = 2 (2P) and 4 (4P) and previously reported with x = 3 (3P) and the unlinked bis-diphenylphosphido (DP) analogues were investigated. The X-ray structures of the neutral complexes demonstrate the effect of the linking group on the Fe2P2 core geometry with P–Fe–Fe–P torsion angles of 95 (2P), 101 (3P), 108 (4P) and 109° (DP) and a twisting of the Fe(CO)3 fragments from an eclipsed geometry (2P, 3P and DP) for 4P. For all four compounds the primary reduction process involves two close-spaced one-electron reactions (E1 and E2) with a systematic trend to more negative reduction potentials with a shorter link between the bridging phosphorus atoms. This reflects the greater constraint that the bridging group places on the adoption of a planar 2Fe2P geometry. The sensitivity of the core geometry is greater for E2 than E1 and this impacts the stability of the monoanion with respect to disproportion (Kdisp(298 K) = 0.02 (2P), 2.4 (3P) and 3540 (4P and DP)). 4P has a stable dianion and gives reversible cyclic voltammetry at 298 K and is quasi-reversible at 253 K, whereas the response of 2P is irreversible at 298 K, with two distinct daughter products, but becomes quasi-reversible at 253 K. IR-SEC measurements enabled elucidation of the spectra and time evolution of the reduction products. These results are consistent with a bimolecular reaction giving a distinct reduced product modelled as a dimeric, 4Fe species. The sensitivity of the reduction chemistry of the bridged diiron compounds underpins their utility as catalytic proton reduction catalysts and the systematic trends delineated in this investigation provide the framework for charting the path of their redox-coupled chemical reactions.

Electron Delocalization in Spectroelectrochemically and Computationally Characterized [Pt{(p-BrC6F4)NCH═C(Cl)NEt2}Cl(py)]+ Formed by Electrochemical Oxidation of [PtII{(p-BrC6F4)NCH═C(Cl)NEt2}Cl(py)

[Pt{(p-BrC6F4)NCH═C(Cl)NEt2}Cl(py)] (1Cl) is the product of the hydrogen peroxide oxidation of the PtII anticancer agent [Pt{(p-BrC6F4)NCH2CH2NEt2}Cl(py)] (1). Insights into electron delocalization and bonding in [Pt{(p-BrC6F4)NCH═C(Cl)NEt2}Cl(py)]+ (1Cl+) obtained by electrochemical oxidation of 1Cl have been gained by spectroscopic and computational studies. The 1Cl/1Cl+ process is chemically and electrochemically reversible on the short time scale of voltammetry in dichloromethane (0.10 M [Bu4N][PF6]). Substantial stability is retained on longer time scales enabling a high yield of 1Cl+ to be generated by bulk electrolysis. In situ IR and visible spectroelectrochemical studies on the oxidation of 1Cl to 1Cl+ and the reduction of 1Cl+ back to 1Cl confirm the long-term chemical reversibility. DFT calculations indicate only a minor contribution to the electron density (13%) resides on the Pt metal center in 1Cl+, indicating that the 1Cl/1Cl+ oxidation process is extensively ligand-based. Published X-ray crystallographic data show that 1Cl is present in only one structural form, while NMR data on the dissolved crystals revealed the presence of two closely related structural forms in an almost equimolar ratio. Solution-phase EPR spectra of 1Cl+ are consistent with two closely related structural forms in a ratio of about 90:10. The average g value for the frozen solution spectra (2.0567 for the major species) is significantly greater than the 2.0023 expected for a free radical. Crystal field analysis of the EPR spectra leads to an estimate of the 5d(xz) character of around 10% in 1Cl+. Analysis of X-ray absorption fine structure derived from 1Cl+ also supports the presence of a delocalized singly occupied metal molecular orbital with a spin density of approximately 17% on Pt. Accordingly, the considerably larger electron density distribution on the ligand framework (diminished PtIII character) is proposed to contribute to the increased stability of 1Cl+ compared to that of 1+.

Electrochemical and Chemical Reductions to Stable [Co(NO)]9 N-Confused Porphyrin Complexes for NO to Nitrous Oxide Conversion

Stable [Co(NO)]9 complex is rare in literature. In this report, we present the synthesis of a [Co(NO)]8 N-confused porphyrin (NCP) complex from the reaction of a four coordinated cobalt complex with nitric oxide. In addition to the regular N-confused porphyrin ligand, the [Co(NO)]8 complexes with an inner carbon methylated NCP and inner carbon oxygenated NCP were also obtained. Reversible redox couples were observed from CV and IR spectroelectrochemical studies upon the electrochemical reduction or oxidation on the [Co(NO)]8 complexes. The distinctive differences on the shifting of ν(NO) suggest that the supporting ligand will control an either metal-based or a ligand-based redox process. Through a bulk electrolysis or treatment of cobaltocene, [Co(NO)]9 complexes were obtained. The obtain of the first single-crystal structure further demonstrates an unique stability of this NCP ligand supported [Co(NO)]9 complex. For the first time, we observed that the [Co(NO)]9 complex is active toward the hydrogen evolution reaction. More importantly, the addition of ethanol into the solution of [Co(NO)]9 observed the conversion of axial NO ligand to nitrous oxide. The potential mechanism of NO to N2O conversion and the spectroscopic information of the reaction intermediates will be discussed in this presentation. Figure 1

Electronic Communication between Dithiolato-Bridged Diiron Carbonyl and S-Bridged Redox-Active Centres

The catalytic potential of linked redox centres is exemplified by the catalytic site of [FeFe]-hydrogenases, which feature a diiron subsite linked by a cysteinyl S atom to a 4Fe4S cube. The investigation of systems possessing similarly-linked redox sites is important because it provides a context for understanding the biological system and the rational design of abiological catalysts. The structural, electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of Fe2(CO)5(CH3C(CH2S)2CH2SPhNO2, I-bzNO2 and the aniline analogue, I-bzNH2, are described and IR spectroelectrochemical studies have allowed investigation of the reduction products and their reactions with CO and protons. These measurements have allowed identification of the nitrobenzenyl radical anion, quantification of the shifts of the (CO) bands on ligand-based reduction compared with NO2/NH2 exchange and protonation of the pendent ligand. The strength of thioether coordination is related to the electronic effects, where competitive binding studies with CO show that CO/thioether exchange can be initiated by redox processes of the pendent ligand. Stoichiometric multi electron/proton transfer reactions of I-bzNO2 localised on nitrobenzene reductions occur at mild potentials and a metal-centred reduction in the presence of protons does not lead to significant electrocatalytic proton reduction.

Electrochemical and Photochemical Reduction of CO2 Catalyzed by Re(I) Complexes Carrying Local Proton Sources

The novel rhenium complexes fac-Re(pdbpy)(CO)3Cl (pdbpy = 4-phenyl-6-(phenyl-2,6-diol)-2,2′-bipyridine), 1, and fac-Re(ptbpy)(CO)3Cl (ptbpy = 4-phenyl-6-(phenyl-3,4,5-triol)-2,2′-bipyridine), 2, have been synthesized, and the single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) structure of 1 was solved. The electrochemical behaviors of the complexes in acetonitrile under Ar and their catalytic performances for CO2 reduction with added water and MeOH are discussed. A detailed IR spectroelectrochemical study under Ar and CO2 atmospheres coupled with DFT calculations allows the identification of reduced species and the interpretation of the reduction mechanisms. Comparison between the rhenium complexes and the corresponding Mn derivatives Mn(pdbpy)(CO)3Br, 3, and Mn(ptbpy)(CO)3Br, 4, has been also considered. Finally, photostimulated conversion of the CO2 was investigated with catalysts (1, 3, and 4) under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm) in acetonitrile as solvent. Remarkably, 1 and 3 catalysts were active towa...

Stabilising the lowest energy charge-separated state in a {metal chromophore - fullerene} assembly: a tuneable panchromatic absorbing donor-acceptor triad.

Photoreduction of fullerene and the consequent stabilisation of a charge-separated state in a donor-acceptor assembly have been achieved, overcoming the common problem of a fullerene-based triplet state being an energy sink that prevents charge-separation. A route to incorporate a C60-fullerene electron acceptor moiety into a catecholate-Pt(ii)-diimine photoactive dyad, which contains an unusually strong electron donor, 3,5-di-tert-butylcatecholate, has been developed. The synthetic methodology is based on the formation of the aldehyde functionalised bipyridine-Pt(ii)-3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol dyad which is then added to the fullerene cage via a Prato cycloaddition reaction. The resultant product is the first example of a fullerene-diimine-Pt-catecholate donor-acceptor triad, C60bpy-Pt-cat. The triad exhibits an intense solvatochromic absorption band in the visible region due to catechol-to-diimine charge-transfer, which, together with fullerene-based transitions, provides efficient and tuneable light harvesting of the majority of the UV/visible spectral range. Cyclic voltammetry, EPR and UV/vis/IR spectroelectrochemistry reveal redox behaviour with a wealth of reversible reduction and oxidation processes forming multiply charged species and storing multiple redox equivalents. Ultrafast transient absorption and time resolved infrared spectroscopy, supported by molecular modelling, reveal the formation of a charge-separated state [C60˙-bpy-Pt-cat˙+] with a lifetime of ∼890 ps. The formation of cat˙+ in the excited state is evidenced directly by characteristic absorption bands in the 400-500 nm region, while the formation of C60˙- was confirmed directly by time-resolved infrared spectroscopy, TRIR. An IR-spectroelectrochemical study of the mono-reduced building block (C60-bpy)PtCl2, revealed a characteristic C60˙- vibrational feature at 1530 cm-1, which was also detected in the TRIR spectra. This combination of experiments offers the first direct IR-identification of C60˙- species in solution, and paves the way towards the application of transient infrared spectroscopy to the study of light-induced charge-separation in C60-containing assemblies, as well as fullerene films and fullerene/polymer blends in various OPV devices. Identification of the unique vibrational signature of a C60-anion provides a new way to follow photoinduced processes in fullerene-containing assemblies by means of time-resolved vibrational spectroscopy, as demonstrated for the fullerene-transition metal chromophore assembly with the lowest energy charge-separated excited state.

Mixed-metal cluster chemistry. 37. Syntheses, structural, spectroscopic, electrochemical, and optical power limiting studies of tetranuclear molybdenum–iridium clusters

Tetrahedral Mo2Ir2(μ3-CO)(μ-CO)5(CO)4(η5-C5H5)2 (1) reacted with P(C6H4Me-4)3, P(C6H2Me2-3,5-OMe-4)3, and AsPh3 to afford the substitution products Mo2Ir2(μ-CO)3(CO)6(L)(η5-C5H5)2 [L = P(C6H4Me-4)3 (3), P(C6H2Me2-3,5-OMe-4)3 (4), AsPh3 (5)] in fair to good yields, while reaction of 1 with HC≡CSiPri3 proceeded by insertion into the Mo–Mo bond to give the pseudo-octahedral Mo2Ir2(μ4-η2-HC2SiPri3)(μ-CO)4(CO)4(η5-C5H5)2 (6) in fair yield. While MoIr3(μ-CO)3(CO)7(η5-C5H5) reacted with HC≡CSiMe3 to give a complex mixture of thus-far-uncharacterized products, its phosphine substitution product MoIr3(μ-CO)3(CO)5(PPh3)2(η5-C5H5) reacted with the same alkyne via insertion into a Mo–Ir bond to afford the pseudo-octahedral MoIr3(μ4-η2-HC2SiMe3)(μ-CO)3(CO)4(PPh3)2(η5-C5H5) (8) in good yield. Clusters 4, 5 (two isomers), 6 and 8 have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Cyclic voltammetric studies of Mo2Ir2(μ-CO)3(CO)6(PPh3)(η5-C5H5)2 (2), 3–6 and 8 confirmed the tuning of redox potentials upon phosphines/arsine introduction and alkyne modification. IR spectroelectrochemical studies of 2, 6, and 8 suggest decreasing proclivity for bridging carbonyl ligands following oxidation. Variable temperature 31P NMR studies of 3 and 4 revealed interconverting isomers in solution, the structures of which are assigned as analogues of the X-ray diffraction-confirmed isomers of 5. Studies of 2–5 using ns pulses and the open-aperture Z-scan technique revealed that all are optical limiters at wavelengths in the visible region.

A fundamental in situ IR spectroelectrochemical study of the electrical polarization of nickel, copper and gold electrodes in the presence of the unstable tellurocyanate ion in DMSO and DMF solutions

TeCN− ions sense via decomposition the presence of dissolved metal ions produced by electrodissolution of Ni, Cu and Au electrodes.

Spatiotemporal Mapping of Diffusion Layers Using Synchrotron Infrared Radiation

Synchrotron infrared (SIR) radiation has been employed to map the diffusion layer surrounding a platinum working electrode. A thin-cavity transmission cell containing a raised, 12μm platinum working electrode is employed to generate a two-dimensional diffusion space. The use of a prototypical redox system, i.e. the diffusion controlled reduction of ferricyanide (Ox) and concurrent production of ferrocyanide (Red), allows for a proof of principle evaluation of the viability of SIR for simultaneous mapping (in time and space) of the concentrations of species in the diffusion layer. Diffusion coefficients for the two species in the redox couple are extracted by comparing the experimental results with numerical simulations using finite elements. Absolute values of DOx=4.5X10−6cm2s−1 and DRed=3.6X10−6cm2s−1 have been obtained which are systematically lower by about 30% than those independently determined from electrochemical measurements in the 0.10M NaF supporting electrolyte. However, their ratio is in excellent agreement with accepted values. Deviations are attributed to heterogeneity in the SIR beam's intensity profile as well as difficulties in accurately accounting for the working electrode's pronounced edge effects. Implications for future IR spectroelectrochemical studies of chemical reactions in electrochemically generated diffusion layers are discussed.

Alkynyl-Phosphine Substituted Fe2S2 Clusters: Synthesis, Structure and Spectroelectrochemical Characterization of a Cluster with a Class III Mixed-Valence [FeFe]3+ Core

Phosphinoalkynes P(C≡CC6H4Me-4)Ph2 (1) and P(C≡CC6H4C≡CC6H4Me-4)Ph2 (2) have been prepared from CuI catalysed reactions of the corresponding 1-alkyne and PClPh2. The trimethylamine-N-oxide promoted reaction of PPh3, 1 or 2 with [Fe2(μ-pdt)(CO)6] (pdt = propanedithiolate) affords derivatives [Fe2(μ-pdt)(CO)5{PRPh2}] [R=Ph (3), C≡CC6H4Me (5), C≡CC6H4C≡CC6H4Me (6)] or, at elevated temperatures, [Fe2(μ-pdt)(CO)4(PPh3)2] (4). The cyclic voltammograms of compounds 3 and 4 feature almost fully reversible one-electron oxidation processes and an irreversible reduction, whilst the electrochemical response of the alkynyl phosphine substituted complexes 5 and 6 is irreversible for both oxidation and reduction. IR spectroelectrochemical studies of 4 are consistent with an oxidation processes leading to a delocalized or (Class III) mixed valence [FeFe]3+ core in which the iron centers have an average oxidation state of 1.5. The molecular structures of the alkynyl phosphine substituted clusters 5 and 6 are also reported.

Synthesis and Characterization of Dibenzoheterocycle‐Bridged Dinuclear Ruthenium Alkynyl and Vinyl Complexes

AbstractA series of dinuclear ruthenium alkynyl and vinyl complexes bridged by carbazole, dibenzofuran, dibenzothiophene, and fluorenone have been prepared, and some representative molecular structures have been determined. The electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of the compounds were explored by cyclic voltammetry (CV), square‐wave voltammetry (SWV), and in situ infrared and UV/Vis/near‐IR spectroelectrochemical methods. The electrochemical results indicate that the greater the electron density on the ligand, the more stable the bridge‐based oxidation product and the larger the electrochemical splitting. The UV/Vis/near‐IR spectroelectrochemical studies revealed that the bridged ligands strongly contribute to or even dominate the oxidation processes. In addition, IR spectroelectrochemistry strengthens the theory of redox noninnocence in the bridging ligands, which was further confirmed by DFT calculations.

Bridge‐Localized HOMO‐Binding Character of Divinylanthracene‐Bridged Dinuclear Ruthenium Carbonyl Complexes: Spectroscopic, Spectroelectrochemical, and Computational Studies

The electronic properties of four divinylanthracene-bridged diruthenium carbonyl complexes [{RuCl(CO)(PMe3)3}2(μ-CH=CHArCH=CH)] (Ar=9,10-anthracene (1), 1,5-anthracene (2), 2,6-anthracene (3), 1,8-anthracene (4)) obtained by molecular spectroscopic methods (IR, UV/Vis/near-IR, and EPR spectroscopy) and DFT calculations are reported. IR spectroelectrochemical studies have revealed that these complexes are first oxidized at the noninnocent bridging ligand, which is in line with the very small ν(C≡O) wavenumber shift that accompanies this process and also supported by DFT calculations. Because of poor conjugation in complex 1, except oxidized 1(+), the electronic absorption spectra of complexes 2(+), 3(+), and 4(+) all display the characteristic near-IR band envelopes that have been deconvoluted into three Gaussian sub-bands. Two of the sub-bands belong mainly to metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) transitions according to results from time-dependent DFT calculations. EPR spectroscopy of chemically generated 1(+)-4(+) proves largely ligand-centered spin density, again in accordance with IR spectra and DFT calculations results.

Step-Scan IR Spectroelectrochemistry with Ultramicroelectrodes: Nonsurface Enhanced Detection of Near Femtomole Quantities Using Synchrotron Radiation

The result of interfacing step-scan spectroelectrochemistry with an IR microscope and synchrotron infrared (SIR) radiation is provided here. An external reflectance cell containing a 25 μm gold ultramicroelectrode is employed to achieve an electrochemical time constant less than one microsecond. The use of a prototypical electrochemical system, i.e., the mass-transport controlled reduction of ferricyanide, allows for a proof of principle evaluation of the viability of SIR for step-scan spectroelectrochemistry. An analysis of the importance of accounting for synchrotron source variation over the prolonged duration of a step-scan experiment is provided. Modeling of the material flux in the restricted diffusion space afforded by the external reflectance cell allows the quantitative IR results to be compared to theoretical predictions. The results indicate that only at very short times does linear diffusion within the cavity dominate the electrode response and the majority of the transient signal operates under conditions of quasi-hemispherical diffusion. The analytical information provided by the IR signal is found to be considerably less than that derived from the current response due the latter's pronounced edge effects. The results provide a detection limit of 36 fmol for step-scan SIR measurements of ferrocyanide. Implications for future IR spectroelectrochemical studies in the microsecond domain are discussed.

The synthesis, molecular and electronic structure of cyanovinylidene complexes

Reaction of the readily available metal acetylide complexes Ru(CCC6H4R-4)(PPh3)2Cp (R=OMe, Me, H, CN, CO2Me), Ru(CCFc)(PPh3)2Cp and Fe(CCC6H4R-4)(dppe)Cp (R=Me, H) with 1-cyano-4-dimethylaminopyridinium tetrafluoroborate affords cyanovinylidene complexes [Ru{CC(CN)C6H4R-4}(PPh3)2Cp]BF4, [Ru{CC(CN)Fc}(PPh3)2Cp]BF4 and [Fe{CC(CN)C6H4R-4}(dppe)Cp]BF4 in an experimentally simple fashion. These synthetic studies are augmented by refinements to the preparation of the key iron reagents FeCl(dppe)Cp and Fe(CCC6H4R-4)(dppe)Cp. Molecular structure determinations, electrochemical measurements, representative IR spectroelectrochemical studies and DFT studies have been used to provide insight into the electronic structure of the cyanovinylidene ligand, and demonstrate that despite the presence of the cyano-substituted methylidene fragment, reduction takes place on the vinylidene Cα carbon.

Capping polymer-enhanced electrocatalytic activity on Pt nanoparticles: a combined electrochemical and in situ IR spectroelectrochemical study

Unexpected yet highly remarkable and intriguing observations of the polymer-enhanced electro-catalytic activity of the Pt nanoparticles for electro-oxidations of both methanol and formic acid were reported. In situ FTIR investigation suggests strongly that the observed activity enhancements are highly likely due to the PVP-induced additional reaction pathways. These observations may open up a new paradigm of research in which the protecting/stabilizing organic ligands can now be incorporated as an advantageous part and/or a finer catalytic activity tuner of a nanocatalytic system.

Direct evidence of hydrogen-bonding and/or protonation effect on p-benzoquinone electrochemical reduction by in situ IR spectroelectrochemical study

Cyclic voltammetry (CV), IR spectroelectrochemistry cyclic voltabsorptometry (CVA) and derivative cyclic voltabsorptometry (DCVA) technique were used to investigate the electrochemical character of a representative quinone, p-benzoquinone (BQ), in aprotic media, organic-water mixed solvent, unbuffered acidic aqueous ([H +] < [BQ]), and well-buffered aqueous solution ([H +] > [BQ]). Several well-separated IR absorption peak pairs, 1656, 1316; 1502, 1340; and 1230, 1473 cm −1, corresponding to redox transitions (BQ, BQ −, BQ 2−), are observed and can be used to trace the concentration of BQ, BQ − and BQ 2− independently during CV scan. Based on CVA and DCVA techniques, it is clearly distinguished that each step of the two consecutive electron transfer process of BQ in unbuffered neutral aqueous takes place, although only one CV wave is experimentally observed during CV scan. Direct evidence of hydrogen-bonding (H-bonding) forming between BQ 2− (BQ −) and H 2O in unbuffered neutral water and that between BQ and H 3O + in strong acidic solution are observed. The results of IR CVA and DCVA not only help us understand the fundamental factors of H-bonding and protonation on redox mechanism of BQ, but also draw the entire map of the electrochemical reduction of BQ in different solution.

Spectroelectrochemical Characterization of the Active Site of the [FeFe] Hydrogenase HydA1 from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Hydrogenases catalyze the reversible oxidation of molecular hydrogen. The active site of the [FeFe] hydrogenases (H-cluster) contains a catalytically active binuclear subcluster ([2Fe](H)) connected to a "cubane" [4Fe4S](H) subcluster. Here we present an IR spectroelectrochemical study of the [FeFe] hydrogenase HydA1 isolated from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The enzyme shows IR bands similar to those observed for bacterial [FeFe] hydrogenases. They are assigned to the stretching vibrations of the CN(-) and CO ligands on both irons of the [2Fe](H) subcluster. By following changes in frequencies of the IR bands during electrochemical titrations, two one-electron redox processes of the active enzyme could be distinguished. The reduction of the oxidized state (H(ox)) occurred at a midpoint potential of -400 mV vs NHE (H(ox)/H(red) transition) and relates to a change of the formal oxidation state of the binuclear subcluster. A subsequent reduction (H(red)/H(sred) transition) was determined to have a midpoint potential of -460 mV vs NHE. On the basis of the IR spectra, it is suggested that the oxidation state of the binuclear subcluster does not change in this transition. Tentatively, a reduction of the [4Fe4S](H) cluster has been proposed. In contrast to the bacterial [FeFe] hydrogenases, where the bridging CO ligand becomes terminal when going from H(ox) to H(red), in HydA1 the bridging CO is present in both the H(ox) and H(red) state. The removal of the bridging CO moiety has been observed in the H(red) to H(sred) transition. The significance of this result for the hydrogen conversion mechanism of this class of enzymes is discussed.