Optically Transparent Thin-layer Electrochemical Research Articles

(Invited) Spectroelectrochemical Sensors: The Quest for Selectivity

Introduction Exceptional selectivity is needed for sensors to accurately measure analytes in complex samples such as nuclear waste and natural water that contain many potentially interfering substances. Spectroelectrochemistry offers a unique means for providing selectivity by electrochemically modulating the optical signal used for quantitation. The modulated signal can be distinguished from the constant signals of potential interferences. An additional level of selectivity can be provided by adding a very thin film to the transparent electrode to first preconcentrated the analyte while rejecting interferences. Sensors using both visible absorption and fluorescence modes of detection have been developed for detection of organic and inorganic species including ferrocyanide [1] and technetium [2] complexes in nuclear waste and natural water. We have recently extended this research to the spectroelectrochemical investigation of molten salt systems, [3] including lanthanide and actinide measurements related to pyroprocessing [4] and molten salt reactor applications. Thin layer fluorescence-based spectroelectrochemical sensor A planar optically transparent electrode chip was fabricated and characterized for multimode sensing of target species. The chip was comprised of an indium tin oxide (ITO) working electrode, a platinum auxiliary electrode, and a Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Fluorescence was used for detection because limits of detection are typically several magnitudes lower than for absorption spectroscopy and selectivity improved by having adjustable wavelengths for both excitation and emission. A fluorescence spectroelectrochemical measurement using this chip incorporated into an optically transparent thin layer electrochemical (OTTLE) cell was demonstrated using the modulated emission of [Ru(bpy)3]2+. Molten salt absorbance-based spectroelectrochemistry Molten salt systems are of growing interest for a variety of applications, including meeting future energy needs such as molten salt reactors (MSRs). These reactors are of interest for several factors, including the ability to be operated at atmospheric pressures even at extremely high temperatures. The molten salts serve several functions, including heat transfer fluid, reactor coolant, and ability to contain high concentrations of dissolved fuel (plutonium, uranium, thorium). While the benefits of molten salt reactors have been identified, the chemistry of the molten salts is still not understood. Spectroelectrochemistry can provide the tools to characterize, monitor, and control the chemical behavior of fuel species (U, Pu), fission, and corrosion products throughout the molten salt reactor loop. Several of these species are electroactive and have a unique spectroscopic fingerprint that can be optically detected and modulated using electrochemistry. Spectroelectrochemical characterization can provide fundamental information such as concentration, oxidation state, and speciation at any point in the molten salt reactor system. The absorbance-based spectroelectrochemical modulation of uranium was demonstrated in the molten LiCl-KCl eutectic. The unique spectroscopic signatures for U(III) and U(IV) were identified and monitored as it was electrochemically modulated between the U(III)/U(IV) redox states. Based on variable scan-rate cyclic voltammetry, the diffusion coefficients of U(III) and U(IV) were measured.

(Invited) Spectroelectrochemical Sensors: The Quest for Selectivity

Introduction Exceptional selectivity is needed for sensors to accurately measure analytes in complex samples such as nuclear waste and natural water that contain many potentially interfering substances. Spectroelectrochemistry offers a unique means for providing selectivity by electrochemically modulating the optical signal used for quantitation. The modulated signal can be distinguished from the constant signals of potential interferences. An additional level of selectivity can be provided by adding a very thin film to the transparent electrode to first preconcentrated the analyte while rejecting interferences. Sensors using both visible absorption and fluorescence modes of detection have been developed for detection of organic and inorganic species including ferrocyanide [1] and technetium [2] complexes in nuclear waste and natural water. We have recently extended this research to the spectroelectrochemical investigation of molten salt systems, [3] including lanthanide and actinide measurements related to pyroprocessing [4] and molten salt reactor applications. Thin layer fluorescence-based spectroelectrochemical sensor A planar optically transparent electrode chip was fabricated and characterized for multimode sensing of target species. The chip was comprised of an indium tin oxide (ITO) working electrode, a platinum auxiliary electrode, and a Ag/AgCl reference electrode (Figure 1A,B). Fluorescence was used for detection because limits of detection are typically several magnitudes lower than for absorption spectroscopy and selectivity improved by having adjustable wavelengths for both excitation and emission. A fluorescence spectroelectrochemical measurement using this chip incorporated into an optically transparent thin layer electrochemical (OTTLE) cell was demonstrated using the modulated emission of [Ru(bpy)3]2+. Molten salt absorbance-based spectroelectrochemistry Molten salt systems are of growing interest for a variety of applications, including meeting future energy needs such as molten salt reactors (MSRs). These reactors are of interest for several factors, including the ability to be operated at atmospheric pressures even at extremely high temperatures. The molten salts serve several functions, including heat transfer fluid, reactor coolant, and ability to contain high concentrations of dissolved fuel (plutonium, uranium, thorium). While the benefits of molten salt reactors have been identified, the chemistry of the molten salts is still not understood. Spectroelectrochemistry can provide the tools to characterize, monitor, and control the chemical behavior of fuel species (U, Pu), fission, and corrosion products throughout the molten salt reactor loop. Several of these species are electroactive and have a unique spectroscopic fingerprint that can be optically detected and modulated using electrochemistry. Spectroelectrochemical characterization can provide fundamental information such as concentration, oxidation state, and speciation at any point in the molten salt reactor system. Absorbance-based spectroelectrochemical modulation of uranium was demonstrated in the molten LiCl-KCl eutectic. The unique spectroscopic signatures for U(III) and U(IV) were identified and monitored as it was electrochemically modulated between the U(III)/U(IV) redox states. Based on variable scan-rate cyclic voltammetry, the diffusion coefficients of U(III) and U(IV) were measured. The spectroelectrochemistry of lanthanides and other actinides in chloride melts is being explored for sensor development.

Ruthenium Complexes with Strongly Electron-Donating Terpyridine Ligands: Effect of the Working Electrode on Electrochemical and Spectroelectrochemical Properties.

The combination of 2,2':6',2''-terpyridines (tpy) and RuII is known to deliver molecular and supramolecular assemblies with remarkable properties. Here new RuII complexes, with modified tpy ligands substituted with varying numbers of dimethlyamino groups, are presented. Electrochemistry shows that the incorporation of the strongly electron-donating groups on the tpy ligands leads to a negative shift of the RuII oxidation potential by close to 1 V. The reductive electrochemical responses are strongly dependent on the nature of the working electrode, with glassy carbon and gold working electrodes showing the best results. These observations led to the development of a modified Optically Transparent Thin Layer Electrochemical (OTTLE) cell, based on a gold working electrode. The use of UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemical methods with that OTTLE cell, together with simulations of the cyclic voltammograms, allowed the characterization of four reduction steps in these complexes, the final two of which lead to bond activations at the ruthenium center. This observation is to the best of our knowledge unprecedented in coordinatively saturated complexes of type [Ru(tpy)2 ]2+ . The various redox states of the complexes were characterized by EPR spectroelectrochemistry and through DFT calculations. The results presented here establish these substituted tpy ligands as highly attractive ligands in coordination chemistry, and display the utility of a gold-based OTTLE cell for spectroelectrochemical measurements.

An optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical cell for the study of vibrational circular dichroism of chiral redox-active molecules

An optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical (OTTLE) cell with a locally extended optical path has been developed in order to perform vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy on chiral molecules prepared in specific oxidation states by means of electrochemical reduction or oxidation. The new design of the electrochemical cell successfully addresses the technical challenges involved in achieving sufficient infrared absorption. The VCD-OTTLE cell proves to be a valuable tool for the investigation of chiral redox-active molecules.

Syntheses and Spectroscopic, Structural, Electrochemical, Spectroelectrochemical, and Theoretical Studies of Osmium(II) Mono- and Bis-Alkynyl Complexes

The syntheses of trans-[Os(C≡C-4-C(6)H(4)X)Cl(dppe)(2)] [X = Br (3), I (4)], trans-[Os(C≡C-4-C(6)H(4)X)(NH(3))(dppe)(2)](PF(6)) [X = H (5(PF(6))), I (6(PF(6)))], and trans-[Os(C≡C-4-C(6)H(4)X)(C≡C-4-C(6)H(4)Y)(dppe)(2)] [X = Y = H (7), X = I, Y = C≡CSiPr(i)(3) (8)] are reported, together with improved syntheses of cis-[OsCl(2)(dppe)(2)] (cis-1), trans-[Os(C≡CPh)Cl(dppe)(2)] (2), and trans-[Ru(C≡C-4-C(6)H(4)I)(NH(3))(dppe)(2)](PF(6)) (9(PF(6))) (the last-mentioned direct from trans-[Ru(C≡C-4-C(6)H(4)I)Cl(dppe)(2)]), and single-crystal X-ray structural studies of 2-4, 5(PF(6)), 6(PF(6)), and 7. Ammine complexes 5(PF(6))/6(PF(6)) are shown to afford a facile route to both symmetrical (7) and unsymmetrical (8) osmium bis(alkynyl) complexes. A combination of cyclic voltammetry, UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry, and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) has permitted identification and assignment of the intense transitions in both the resting state and the oxidized forms of these complexes. Cyclic voltammetric data show fully reversible oxidation processes at 0.32-0.42 V (3, 4, 7, 8) (with respect to ferrocene/ferrocenium 0.56 V), assigned to the (formal) Os(II/III) couple. The osmium(III) complex (di)cations 5(2+) and 7(+) were obtained by in situ oxidation of 5(+) and 7 using an optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical (OTTLE) cell. The UV-vis-NIR optical spectra of 5(2+) and 7(+) reveal low-energy bands in the near IR region, in contrast to 5(+) and 7 which are optically transparent at frequencies below 22,000 cm(-1). TD-DFT calculations on trans-1, 2, 5(+), and 7 and their oxidized forms suggest that the lowest-energy transitions are chloro-to-metal charge transfer (trans-1), chloro-to-phenylethynyl charge transfer (2), and metal-to-phenylethynyl charge transfer (5(+), 7) in the resting state and chloro-to-metal charge transfer (trans-1(+)), phosphorus-to-metal charge transfer (5(2+)), alkynyl-to-metal charge transfer (7(+)), or phenylalkynyl-centered π → π* (2(+)) following oxidation. The presence of intense CT bands in the resting states and oxidized states and their significantly different nature across the two states, coupled to their strong charge displacement suggest that these species have considerable potential as electrochemically switchable nonlinear optical materials, while the facile unsymmetrical bis(alkynyl)osmium(II) construction suggests potential in construction of multistate heterometallic modular assemblies.

Isomeric Olefin Tetracarbonyl Complexes of Tungsten(I): An Infrared Spectroelectrochemical Study at Low Temperatures

In situ electrolysis within an optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical (OTTLE) cell was applied at 293−243 K in combination with FTIR spectroscopy to monitor spectral changes in the carbonyl stretching region accompanying oxidation of four tetracarbonyl olefin complexes of tungsten(0), viz., trans-[W(CO)4(η2-ethene)2], trans-[W(CO)4(η2-norbornene)2], [W(CO)4(η4-cycloocta-1,5-diene)], and [W(CO)4(η4-norbornadiene)]. In all cases, the one-electron-oxidized radical cations (17-electron complexes) have been identified by their characteristic ν(C⋮O) patterns. For the bidentate diene ligands, the cis stereochemistry is essentially fixed in both the 18- and 17-electron complexes. The radical cation of the trans-bis(ethene) complex was observed only at 243 K, while at room temperature it isomerized rapidly to the corresponding cis-isomer. The thermal stability of the three studied radical cations in the cis configuration correlates with the relative strength of the W−CO bonds in the positions trans to the olefin ligand, which are more affected by the oxidation than the axial W−CO bonds. For the bulky norbornene ligands, their trans configuration in the bis(norbornene) complex remains preserved after the oxidation in the whole temperature range studied. The limited thermal stability of the radical cations of the trans-bis(alkene) complexes is ascribed to dissociation of the alkene ligands. The spectroelectrochemical results are in very good agreement with data obtained earlier by DFT (B3LYP) calculations.

Electrochemical, Spectroelectrochemical, and Molecular Quadratic and Cubic Nonlinear Optical Properties of Alkynylruthenium Dendrimers1

A combination of cyclic voltammetry (CV), UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy and spectroelectrochemistry, hyper-Rayleigh scattering (HRS) [including depolarization studies], Z-scan and degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) [including studies employing an optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical (OTTLE) cell to effect electrochemical switching of nonlinearity], pump-probe, and electroabsorption (EA) measurements have been used to comprehensively investigate the electronic, linear optical, and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of nanoscopic pi-delocalizable electron-rich alkynylruthenium dendrimers, their precursor dendrons, and their linear analogues. CV, UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, and UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry reveal that the reversible metal-centered oxidation processes in these complexes are accompanied by strong linear optical changes, "switching on" low-energy absorption bands, the frequency of which is tunable by ligand replacement. HRS studies at 1064 nm employing nanosecond pulses reveal large nonlinearities for these formally octupolar dendrimers; depolarization measurements are consistent with lack of coplanarity upon pi-framework extension through the metal. EA studies at 350-800 nm in a poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix are consistent with the important transitions having a charge-transfer exciton character that increases markedly on introduction of peripheral polarizing substituent. Time-resolved pump-probe studies employing 55 ps, 527 nm pulses reveal absorption saturation, the longest excited-state lifetime being observed for the dendrimer. Z-scan studies at 800 nm employing femtosecond pulses reveal strong two-photon absorption that increases significantly on progression from linear complex to zero- and then first-generation dendrimer with no loss of optical transparency. Both refractive and absorptive nonlinearity for selected alkynylruthenium dendrimers have been reversibly "switched" by employing the Z-scan technique at 800 and 1180 nm and 100-150 fs pulses, together with a specially modified OTTLE cell, complementary femtosecond time-resolved DFWM and transient absorption studies at 800 nm suggesting that the NLO effects originate in picosecond time scale processes.

In-situ generation and analysis of charge transfer materials using an OTTLE cell and resonance Raman scatteringElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: BPW91/6-31G(d) predicted vibrational frequencies and intensities for the neutral, radical cation and dication species of 1 and 2. See http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/cp/b4/b402015d/

Poly(aryl)amine based charge transfer materials (CTMs) are essential components in a range of present and future technologies, from the Xerox process to display devices based upon light emitting polymers (LEPs). However, there is a lack of detailed understanding regarding the electronic properties of CTMs in their various neutral and oxidized forms. This paper reports the use of an optically transparent thin layer electrochemical (OTTLE) cell in combination with a Raman microprobe system and DFT calculations to provide information on the molecular and electronic structure of the mono- and di-oxidized derivatives of the classic CTM N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis(3-methylphenyl)(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diamine (TPD) and the closely related species N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diamine (DMTPD). The resonance Raman scattering profile easily discriminates between the monovalent and divalent cations while DFT calculations permit correlation of the observed vibrational frequencies with localized atomic displacements. The cations are best described in terms of a symmetrical (i.e. fully delocalized) structure. The high sensitivity of the method suggests that it should be appropriate for the observation of low concentrations of the various cations generated from TPD type CTMs during device operation.

Organometallic Complexes for Nonlinear Optics. 33. Electrochemical Switching of the Third-Order Nonlinearity Observed by Simultaneous Femtosecond Degenerate Four-Wave Mixing and Pump−Probe Measurements

The molecular inorganic compound 1,3,5-{trans-[RuCl(dppe)2]C≡C-4-C 6 H 4 C≡C} 3 C 6 H 3 (1) is reversibly oxidized in solution using an optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical (OTTLE) cell, the oxidation to 1 3 + resulting in the appearance of a strong absorption band at 11 200 cm - 1 in contrast to 1, which is optically transparent at frequencies below 20 000 cm - 1 . This linear electrochromic behavior is accompanied by third-order nonlinear optical electrochromic behavior, which has been probed by a combination of femtosecond degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) and pump-probe experiments at 12 500 cm - 1 . DFWM studies of 1 and 1 3 + reveal an order of magnitude increase in the hyperpolarizability, ‖γ‖, upon oxidation with ‖γ‖ values of 2000 × 10 - 3 6 esu and 20 000 x 10 - 3 6 esu, respectively; the DFWM signal of the latter is dominated by a delayed response (relaxation time ca. 1 ps). The transient absorption (TA) data for 1 reveal efficient two-photon absorption (σ 2 10 3 GM), whereas the TA data for 1 3 + reveal saturable absorption (decay time ca. 1 ps). The switching of third-order nonlinearity in the 1/1 3 + pair represents the first demonstration of femtosecond time-scale processes being responsible for nonlinear electrochromism.

Organometallic complexes for nonlinear optics: Part 32: Synthesis, optical spectroscopy and theoretical studies of some osmium alkynyl complexes

The complexes trans-[Os(CCPh)Cl(dppe) 2] ( 1), trans-[Os(4-CCC 6H 4CCPh)Cl(dppe) 2] ( 2), and 1,3,5-{ trans-[OsCl(dppe) 2(4-CCC 6H 4CC)]} 3C 6H 3 ( 3) have been prepared. Cyclic voltammetric studies reveal a quasi-reversible oxidation process for each complex at 0.36–0.39 V (with respect to the ferrocene/ferrocenium couple at 0.56 V), assigned to the Os II/III couple. In situ oxidation of 1– 3 using an optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical (OTTLE) cell affords the UV–Vis–NIR spectra of the corresponding cationic complexes 1 +– 3 +; a low-energy band is observed in the near-IR region (11 000–14 000 cm −1) in each case, in contrast to the neutral complexes 1– 3 which are optically transparent below 20 000 cm −1. Density functional theory calculations on the model compounds trans-[Os(CCPh)Cl(PH 3) 4] and trans-[Os(4-CCC 6H 4CCPh)Cl(PH 3) 4] have been used to rationalize the observed optical spectra and suggest that the low-energy bands in the spectra of the cationic complexes can be assigned to transitions involving orbitals delocalized over the metal, chloro and alkynyl ligands. These intense bands have potential utility in switching nonlinear optical response, of interest in optical technology.

Organometallic complexes for nonlinear optics. 30.1 electrochromic linear and nonlinear optical properties of alkynylbis(diphosphine)ruthenium complexes.

A combination of cyclic voltammetry, UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry, time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT), and Z-scan measurements employing a modified optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical (OTTLE) cell has been used to identify and assign intense transitions of metal alkynyl complexes at technologically important wavelengths in the oxidized state and to utilize these transitions to demonstrate a facile electrochromic switching of optical nonlinearity. Cyclic voltammetric data for the ruthenium(II) complexes trans-[RuXY(dppe)(2)] [dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, X = Cl, Y = Cl (1), Ctbd1;CPh (2), 4-Ctbd1;CC(6)H(4)Ctbd1;CPh (3); X = Ctbd1;CPh, Y = Ctbd1;CPh (4), 4-Ctbd1;CC(6)H(4)Ctbd1;CPh (5)] show a quasi-reversible oxidation at 0.50-0.60 V (with respect to ferrocene/ferrocenium 0.56 V), which is assigned to the Ru(II/III) couple. The ruthenium(III) complex cations trans-[RuXY(dppe)(2)](+) were obtained by the in situ oxidation of complexes 1-5 using an OTTLE cell. The UV-vis-NIR optical spectra of 1(+)-5(+) contain a low-energy band in the near-IR region ( approximately 8000-16 000 cm(-)(1)), in contrast to 1-5, which are optically transparent at wavelengths < 22 000 cm(-)(1). TD-DFT calculations have been applied to model systems trans-[RuXY(PH(3))(4)] [X = Cl, Y = Cl, Ctbd1;CPh, or 4-Ctbd1;CC(6)H(4)Ctbd1;CPh; X = Ctbd1;CPh, Y = Ctbd1;CPh or 4-Ctbd1;CC(6)H(4)Ctbd1;CPh] to rationalize the optical spectra of 1-5 and 1(+)-5(+). The important low-energy bands in the electronic spectra of 1(+)-5(+) are assigned to the promotion of an electron from either a chloride p orbital or an ethynyl p orbital to the partially occupied HOMO. These absorption bands have been utilized to demonstrate a facile switching of cubic nonlinear optical (NLO) properties at 12 500 cm(-)(1) (corresponding to the wavelength of maximum transmission in biological materials such as tissue) using the OTTLE cell, the first electrochromic switching of molecular nonlinear refraction and absorption, and the first switching of optical nonlinearity using an electrochemical cell.

Comparison of Electrochemically and Photochemically Induced Electron-Transfer Processes of a Series of Copper(II) Schiff Base Complexes with Thiolate Coordination

The electrochemical and photoredox properties of copper(II) thiopyrazolone Schiff base complexes 1–9 with imine and thiolate coordination, showing variable degrees of tetrahedral distortion, were investigated by means of combined electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques in the temperature range of 193–293 K. The cyclic voltammograms of 1–9 in butyronitrile revealed that the reduction and oxidation paths are strongly dependent on the geometry of the CuN2S2 moiety. Due to the strong delocalization of the singly occupied redox orbital (SOMO) the oxidations and reductions occur in a narrow potential range. The one-electron-reduced 1(r)–9(r) and oxidized 1(o)–9(o) products were electrogenerated and stabilized inside optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical (OTTLE) cells at variable temperatures and could be characterized for the first time by UV/Vis spectroscopy. The reduced formal d10 copper(I) species absorb only weakly in the visible region. The oxidized products 1(o)–9(o) show several strong absorptions in the visible region due to the presence of formal d8 copper(III) species. The spectral information allowed assignment of the initial photoproducts. Irradiations in donor media such as THF or EtOH initially produces 1(r)–9(r). No photoreduction was observed in tBuOH which cannot liberate reducing Hα. The primary oxidized species 1(o)–9(o) were formed in chlorinated acceptor solvents (CHCl3) on UV irradation. Fast relaxation to the ground state prevents the photoredox reactions from CT or LF excited states.

Comparison of Electrochemically and Photochemically Induced Electron-Transfer Processes of a Series of Copper(II) Schiff Base Complexes with Thiolate Coordination

The electrochemical and photoredox properties of copper(II) cells at variable temperatures and could be characterized for the first time by UV/Vis spectroscopy. The reduced formal thiopyrazolone Schiff base complexes 1–9 with imine and thiolate coordination, showing variable degrees of d10 copper(I) species absorb only weakly in the visible region. The oxidized products 1(o)–9(o) show several strong tetrahedral distortion, were investigated by means of combined electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques in absorptions in the visible region due to the presence of formal d8 copper(III) species. The spectral information the temperature range of 1932293 K. The cyclic voltammograms of 1–9 in butyronitrile revealed that the allowed assignment of the initial photoproducts. Irradiations in donor media such as THF or EtOH initially produces 1(r)– reduction and oxidation paths are strongly dependent on the geometry of the CuN2S2 moiety. Due to the strong 9(r). No photoreduction was observed in tBuOH which cannot liberate reducing Hα. The primary oxidized species delocalization of the singly occupied redox orbital (SOMO) the oxidations and reductions occur in a narrow potential 1(o)–9(o) were formed in chlorinated acceptor solvents (CHCl3) on UV irradation. Fast relaxation to the ground state range. The one-electron-reduced 1(r)–9(r) and oxidized 1(o)– 9(o) products were electrogenerated and stabilized inside prevents the photoredox reactions from CT or LF excited states. optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical (OTTLE)

Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 Using the Complexes [Re(bpy)(CO)3L]n (n = +1, L = P(OEt)3, CH3CN; n = 0, L = Cl-, Otf-; bpy = 2,2‘-Bipyridine; Otf- = CF3SO3) as Catalyst Precursors: Infrared Spectroelectrochemical Investigation

This article describes the results of an IR spectroelectrochemical study of the electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide using the complexes [Re(CO)3(bpy)L]n (bpy = 2,2‘-bipyridine; n = 0, L = Cl-, CF3SO3-; n = +1, L = CH3CN, P(OEt)3) as catalyst precursors. The study was performed for the first time with an optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical (OTTLE) cell. The results confirm unambiguously the catalytic activity of the reduced five-coordinate complexes, the radical [Re(CO)3(bpy)]• and the anion [Re(CO)3(bpy)]-. The catalytic behavior of these species could be investigated separately for the first time due to the application of complexes other than those with L = halide, whose catalytic routes may involve simultaneously both radical and anionic catalysis depending on the solvent used. The complex [Re(CO)3(bpy)Cl], so far the most studied catalyst precursor, upon one-electron reduction gives the corresponding radical-anion [Re(CO)3(bpy)Cl]•-, which was previously believed to react directly...

Versatile Cryostated Optically Transparent Thin-Layer Electrochemical (OTTLE) Cell for Variable-Temperature UV-Vis/IR Spectroelectrochemical Studies

This article describes the construction of a novel optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical (OTTLE) cell for IR and UV-Vis spectroelectrochemical experiments at variable temperature. The cell has a three-electrode set melt-sealed into a smooth polyethylene spacer which is sandwiched between two CaF2 windows. The width of this spacer (0.18–0.20 mm) defines the thickness of the thin solution layer. The whole electrode assembly is housed in a thermostated Cu block of the OTTLE cell which fits into a double-walled nitrogen-bath cryostat. The experimental setup permits relatively fast electrolysis within the tested temperature range of 295 to 173 K under strictly anaerobic conditions and protection of light-sensitive compounds. Other important merits of the cell design include lack of leakage, facile cleaning, almost negligible variation of the preset temperature, and facile manipulation in the course of the experiments. The applicability of the variable-temperature IR/UV-Vis OTTLE cell is demonstrated by stabilization of a few electrogenerated carbonyl complexes of Mn(I) and Ru(II) with 3,5-di- tert. butyl-1,2-benzo(semi)quinone (DB(S)Q) and N, N′-diisopropyl-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene (iPr-DAB) ligands, respectively, at appropriately low temperatures.

Redox-induced conformational changes in myoglobin and hemoglobin: electrochemistry and ultraviolet-visible and Fourier transform infrared difference spectroscopy at surface-modified gold electrodes in an ultra-thin-layer spectroelectrochemical cell.

Using suitable surface-modified electrodes, we have developed an electrochemical system which allows a reversible heterogeneous electron transfer at high (approximately 5 mM) protein concentrations between the electrode and myoglobin or hemoglobin in an optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical (OTTLE) cell. With this cell, which is transparent from 190 to 10,000 nm, we have been able to obtain electrochemically-induced Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) difference spectra of both proteins. Clean protein difference spectra between the redox states were obtained because of the absence of redox mediators in the protein solution. The reduced-minus-oxidized difference spectra are characteristic for each protein and arise from redox-sensitive heme modes as well as from polypeptide backbone and amino acid side chain conformational changes concomitant with the redox transition. The amplitudes of the difference bands, however, are small as compared to the total amide I absorbance, and correspond to approximately 1% (4%) of the reduced-minus-oxidized difference absorbance in the Soret region of myoglobin (hemoglobin) and to less than 0.1% of the total amide I absorbance. Some of the bands in the 1560-1490-cm-1 spectral regions could be assigned to side-chain vibrational modes of aromatic amino acids. In the conformationally sensitive spectral region between 1680 and 1630 cm-1, bands could be attributed to peptide C = O modes because of their small (2-5 cm-1) shift in 2H2O. A similar assignment could be achieved for amide II modes because of their strong shift in 2H2O.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Simple construction of an infrared optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical cell: Applications to the redox reactions of ferrocene, Mn 2(CO) 10 and Mn(CO) 3(3,5-di-t-butyl-catecholate) −

A limited number of IR optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical (OTTLE) cell constructions containing a three-electrode system inside the thin-layer chamber has been reported having the electrodes usually sandwiched between Teflon ® spacers. This design feature, however, does not prevent completely the leakage of oxygen and/or supporting electrolyte. In this paper an alternative construction of the sandwich-type IR OTTLE cell is presented. The working Au- or Pt-mesh, twinned Ag-wire reference and Pt-mesh auxiliary electrodes are melt-sealed into a polyethylene spacer. This IR OTTLE cell design permits; (i) rapid electrolyses of highly air-sensitive compounds without the necessity of surrounding the cell with an inert atmosphere, (ii) ready variation of the electrode and window materials and (iii) ready alignment of the cell in various types of IR, UV-Vis and resonance Raman spectrometers.

ChemInform Abstract: In situ IR Spectroelectrochemistry Studies of Ferrocene, (Rh2(dimen)2(dppm)2)(PF6)2, and (mes)Cr(CO)3 (dimen: 1,8‐Diisocyanomenthane; dppm: Bis(diphenylphosphinomethane); mes: Mesitylene). A Useful Technique for the Characterization of Electrochemically Generated Organometallic Species.

AbstractIn order to measure the IR spectral changes that result during the electrolysis of the title complexes, the use of an optically transparent thin‐layer electrochemical (OTTLE) cell with a gold minigrid electrode is demonstrated.