Reversible One-electron Reduction Research Articles

Para-Aminoazobenzenes-Bipolar Redox-Active Molecules.

Azobenzenes (ABs) are versatile compounds featured in numerous applications for energy storage systems, such as solar thermal storages or phase change materials. Additionally, the reversible one-electron reduction of these diazenes to the nitrogen-based radical anion has been used in battery applications. Although the oxidation of ABs is normally irreversible, 4,4'-diamino substitution allows a reversible 2e- oxidation, which is attributed to the formation of a stable bis-quinoidal structure. Herein, we present a system that shows a bipolar redox behaviour. In this way, ABs can serve not only as anolytes, but also as catholytes. The resulting redox potentials can be tailored by suitable amine- and ring-substitution. For the first time, the solid-state structure of the oxidized form could be characterized by X-ray diffraction.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of a Titanium(IV)-Tetrathiafulvalene-Based Complex.

To deeply investigate the interaction between a tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) unit and a Ti(IV) center, a monomeric heteroleptic octahedral Ti(IV) complex containing a diimine ligand composed of a 1,10-phenanthroline core fused with a TTF fragment (ligand 2a) was prepared. The stable complex formulated as Ti(1)2(2a), where 1 is a 2,2'-biphenolato derivative, was efficiently synthesized by following a one-step approach. This complex and its model species [Ti(1)2(2b)] were fully characterized in solution, and their solid-state structures were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Density functional theory calculations allowed the assignment of the frontier orbitals involved in the electronic transitions characterized by ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies revealed that the TTF unit within Ti(1)2(2a) can undergo two reversible one-electron oxidation processes; a reversible one-electron reduction of the Ti(IV) atom was highlighted. The photophysical measurements performed for this donor-acceptor molecular system indicated that an electron transfer process upon light excitation occurred within Ti(1)2(2a).

Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to CO by Molecular Cobalt-Polypyridine Diamine Complexes.

Cobalt complexes have previously been reported to exhibit high faradaic efficiency in reducing CO2 to CO. Herein, we synthesized capsule-like cobalt-polypyridine diamine complexes [Co(L1)](BF4)2 (1) and [Co(L2) (CH3CN)](BF4)2 (2) as catalysts for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2. Under catalytic conditions, complexes 1 and 2 demonstrated the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO in the presence or absence of CH3OH as a proton source. Experimental and computational studies revealed that complexes 1 and 2 undergo two consecutive reversible one-electron reductions on the cobalt core, followed by the addition of CO2 to form a metallocarboxylate intermediate [CoII(L)-CO22-]0. This crucial reaction intermediate, which governs the catalytic cycle, was successfully detected using high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). In situ Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) analysis showed that methanol can enhance the rate of carbon-oxygen bond cleavage of the metallocarboxylate intermediate. DFT studies on [CoII(L)-CO22-]0 have suggested that the doubly reduced species attacks CO2 on the C atom through the dz2 orbital, while the interaction with CO2 is further stabilized by the π interaction between the metal dxz or dxz orbital with p orbitals on the O atoms. Further reductions generate a metal carbonyl intermediate [CoI(L)-CO]+, which ultimately releases CO.

IZCp and PZCp: Redox Non-innocent Cyclopentadienyl Ligands as Electron Reservoirs for Sandwich Complexes.

A long-sustained effort of systematic steric and electronic modification of cyclopentadienyl (Cp) ligands has enabled them to find wide-ranging, valuable applications. Herein, we present two novel Cp ligands: imidazolium- and pyrrolinium-substituted zwitterionic Cps (IZCp and PZCp), whose key utility is redox non-innocence─the ability to participate cooperatively with the metal center in redox reactions. Through the simple metalation of ZCps, the Cr(0) and Mo(0) half-sandwich complexes (IZCp)Cr(CO)3, (PZCp)Cr(CO)3, (IZCp)Mo(CO)3, and (PZCp)Mo(CO)3, respectively, as well as the Ru(II) sandwich complexes [(IZCp)RuCp]PF6 and [(PZCp)RuCp]PF6 were prepared. The sandwich complexes were fully characterized and showed by cyclic voltammetry reversible one-electron reduction at E1/2 potentials ranging from -1.7 to -2.7 V vs Fc/Fc+. These values are unusually low and have not been observed with other Cp ligands due to the instability of the reduced complexes. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations for the reduced sandwich derivatives with IZCp and PZCp showed their spin densities to be highly delocalized over their ZCp ligand moieties (70-90%). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis of the isolated K[(PZCp)Mo(CO)3] and (PZCp)RuCp also indicated a high degree of ligand-localized radical character. Thus, the IZCp and PZCp ligands act as electron reservoirs to sustain these sandwich complexes in highly reduced states. At the same time, the CO stretching frequencies of K[(PZCp)Mo(CO)3]: νCO 1871, 1748, and 1699 cm-1, rank the [PZCp]- ligand as the strongest electron-donating Cp ligand among the reported CpMo(CO)3 derivatives, whose νCO > 1746 cm-1. In addition, these redox non-innocent Cps were obtained in high yields and found to be practically air- and moisture-stable, unlike typical Cps.

A triradical-containing trinuclear Pd(II) complex: spin-polarized electronic transmission, analog resistive switching and neuromorphic advancements.

Neuromorphic computation has emerged as a potential alternative to subvert the von Neumann bottleneck issue in conventional computing. In this context, the development of resistive switching-based memristor devices mimicking various synaptic functionalities has engendered paramount attention. Here, we report a triradical-containing trinuclear Pd(II) cluster with a cyclohexane-like framework constituted by the Pd-Se coordination motif displaying facile memristor property with neuromorphic functionality as a thin-film device. The metal-ligand complex (complex 1) possessed an St = 1/2 ground state by experiencing a spin-frustrated-type magnetic coupling phenomenon amongst the three ligand-based organic radicals (SR = 1/2), coordinated to the Pd(II) ions. Three reversible one-electron reduction waves countered with a one-electron and one two-electron reversible oxidation waves were noticed in the cyclic voltammogram of the complex, confirming electrons accepting and releasing capacity of the complex at low potentials, i.e., within +0.2 V to -1.1 V. Employing the radical-containing complex 1 as the active thin-film sandwiched between two orthogonal electrodes, resistive switching based memristor property with biological synaptic actions were successfully emulated. Intriguingly, the artificial neural network (ANN) simulated efficient pattern recognition demonstrated using the recorded potentiation and depression curves from the device, which is a step ahead for the hardware realization of neuromorphic computing. The performance of the ANN on MNIST data with reduced image resolution has further been evaluated. Density functional theory (DFT)-based theoretical calculation predicted that the spin-polarized electronic transmission substantiated the memristive property in the neutral complex 1.

Unexpected Direct Synthesis of Tunable Redox-Active Benzil-Linked Polymers via the Benzoin Reaction.

Strategies for the sustainable synthesis of redox-active organic polymers could lead to next-generation organic electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage, electrocatalysis, and electro-swing chemical separations. Among redox-active moieties, benzils or aromatic 1,2-diones are particularly attractive due to their high theoretical gravimetric capacities and fast charge/discharge rates. Herein, we demonstrate that the cyanide-catalyzed polymerization of simple dialdehyde monomers unexpectedly leads to insoluble redox-active benzil-linked polymers instead of the expected benzoin polymers, as supported by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and electrochemical characterization. Mechanistic studies suggest that cyanide-mediated benzoin oxidation occurs by hydride transfer to the solvent, and that the insolubility of the benzil-linked polymers protects them from subsequent cyanolysis. The thiophene-based polymer poly(BTDA) is an intriguing organic electrode material that demonstrates two reversible one-electron reductions with monovalent cations such as Li+ and Na+ but one two-electron reduction with divalent Mg2+. As such, the tandem benzoin-oxidation polymerization reported herein represents a sustainable method for the synthesis of highly tunable and redox-active organic materials.

Electrochemical Investigations on the NO-Releasing Property of Ruthenium Nitrosyl Complex

In this study, the NO-donating property of [Ru(BPG)Cl(NO)]Cl (BPG = N,N-bis(2- pyridylmethyl)glycinato anion) via electrochemical activation was assessed. The synthesized BPG and [Ru(BPG)Cl(NO)]Cl were characterized by UV-Vis and FT-IR spectroscopy. To determine if NO may be released from the compound via one-electron reduction, cyclic voltammetric experiments in aqueous and non-aqueous solutions were performed using a three-electrode cell consisting of glassy carbon working electrode, Pt wire counter electrode and Ag/AgCl or Ag/Ag+ reference electrode. The [Ru(BPG)Cl(NO)]Cl complex showed two one-electron reversible reductions in dimethylformamide, which suggests decreased ability as NO donor. In aqueous solution at pH 2.0, [Ru(BPG)Cl(NO)]Cl exhibited a one-electron irreversible reduction, which could be assigned to a Ru-NO centered reduction. The irreversibility of the reduction could be due to NO labilization and suggests that [Ru(BPG)Cl(NO)]Cl could be a potential NO donor in acidic aqueous medium.

Electrochemical and in-situ spectroelectrochemical properties of novel (5-(tert-butyl)-2-((3,4-dicyanophenoxy)methyl)phenyl)methanolate substituted mononuclear metal phthalocyanines

This work involves the synthesis and characterization of metallic (Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn) ball-type phthalocyanine precursors by using novel 4,4′-(((4-(tert-butyl)-1,2-phenylene)bis-(methylene))bis(oxy))diphthalonitrile starting compound. The classical oxo-bridge in phthalocyanines was altered with the -OCH2- bridge first time for these ball-type phthalocyanine precursors, and the effects of this change on the chemical, physical and spectral features of phthalocyanine complexes were investigated, in the study. The redox properties of phthalocyanines were researched by electrochemical and in situ spectroelectrochemical measurements on a Pt working electrode in non-aqueous medium. The color changes involved in the redox processes were observed via in situ electrocolorimetric techniques. Electrochemical and UV–Vis spectral measurements exhibited that the compounds had reversible and serial one-electron reduction and oxidation processes. Furthermore, they also had nitrile reduction processes because of opened nitrile groups located at peripheral tails of the phthalocyanine complexes. The plentiful redox conducts of the complexes such as Pc ring based and/or central redox active metal-based reduction and oxidation reactions at low potentials showed that these complexes can be used as functional materials. Because of the apparent spectral and net color changes, the complexes are suitable for utilization in electrochromic devices. Moreover, their rich redox features are a sign of their high electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction.

A Germapyramidane Switches Between 3D Cluster and 2D Cyclic Structures in Single-Electron Steps.

Reaction of the imidazolium-substituted iphosphate-diide, (Ipr)2 C2 P2 (IDP), with GeCl2 ⋅ dioxane and KBArF24 [(BarF24 )- =tetrakis[(3,5-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate)] afforded the dicationic spherical-aromatic nido-cluster [Ge(η4 -IDP)]2+ ([1]2+ ) (Ipr=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolium-2-ylidene). This complex is a rare heavy analogue of the elusive pyramidane [C(η4 -C4 H4 )]. [1]2+ undergoes two reversible one-electron reductions, which yield the radical cation [2]⋅+ and the neutral GeII species 3. Both [2]⋅+ and 3 rearrange in solution forming the 2D aromatic and planar imidazolium-substituted digermolide [4]2+ and germole-diide 5, respectively. Both planar species can be oxidized back to [1]2+ using AgSbF6 . These redox-isomerizations correspond to the fundamental transformation of a 3D aromatic cluster into a 2D aromatic ring compound upon reduction and vice versa. The mechanism of these reactions was elucidated using DFT calculations and cyclic voltammetry experiments.

Fluoride ion sensing with an acridinium borane

With our continuing interest in the chemistry of cationic boranes, we have synthesized the tetrafluoroborate salt of 1-dimesitylboron-4-( N-methyl-9-acridinium)-phenylene, which acts as a turn-on fluoride anion sensor, visibly changing from yellow to orange upon binding fluoride. To understand this reactivity, we spectroscopically and computationally analyzed the cation and fluoroborate adduct. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and time-dependent density functional theory calculations revealed the basis of the color change to be a low energy redshift in a intramolecular charge transfer band. Electrochemical studies were undertaken to further probe this system. Cyclic voltammetry indicated a reversible one-electron reduction for the cation and a cathodic shift of −0.12 V in the first reduction wave upon fluoride binding. Chemical reduction of the cation yielded the acridine borane radical, which was verified by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Inverted Ligand Field in a Pentanuclear Bow Tie Au/Fe Carbonyl Cluster.

Gold chemistry has experienced in the last decades exponential attention for a wide spectrum of chemical applications, but the +3 oxidation state, traditionally assigned to gold, remains somewhat questionable. Herein, we present a detailed analysis of the electronic structure of the pentanuclear bow tie Au/Fe carbonyl cluster [Au{η2-Fe2(CO)8}2]- together with its two one-electron reversible reductions. A new interpretation of the bonding pattern is provided with the help of inverted ligand field theory. The classical view of a central gold(III) interacting with two [Fe2(CO)8]2- units is replaced by Au(I), with a d10 gold configuration, with two interacting [Fe2(CO)8]- fragments. A d10 configuration for the gold center in the compound [Au{η2-Fe2(CO)8}2]- is confirmed by the LUMO orbital composition, which is mainly localized on the iron carbonyl fragments rather than on a d gold orbital, as expected for a d8 configuration. Upon one-electron stepwise reduction, the spectroelectrochemical measurements show a progressive red shift in the carbonyl stretching, in agreement with the increased population of the LUMO centered on the iron units. Such a trend is also confirmed by the X-ray structure of the direduced compound [Au{η1-Fe2(CO)8}{η2-Fe2(CO)6(μ-CO)2}]3-, featuring the cleavage of one Au-Fe bond.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemistry of Copper Dibenzoporphyrin(2.1.2.1) Complexes.

Three copper dibenzoporphyrin(2.1.2.1) complexes having two dipyrromethene units connected through o-phenylen bridges and 4-MePh, Ph, or F5Ph substituents at the meso positions of the dipyrrins were synthesized and characterized according to their spectral, electrochemical, and structural properties. As indicated by the single-crystal X-ray structures, all three derivatives have highly bent molecular structures, with angles between each planar dipyrrin unit ranging from 89° to 85°, indicative of a nonaromatic molecule. The insertion of copper(II) into dibenzoporphyrins(2.1.2.1) induced a change in the macrocyclic cavity shape from rectangular in the case of the free-base precursors to approximately square for the metalated copper derivatives. Solution electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra at 100 K showed hyperfine coupling of the Cu(II) central metal ion and the N nucleus in the highly bent molecular structures. Electrochemical measurements in CH2Cl2 or N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) containing 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP) were consistent with ring-centered electron transfers and, in the case of reduction, were assigned to electron additions involving two equivalent π centers on the bent nonaromatic molecule. The potential separation between the two reversible one-electron reductions ranged from 230 to 400 mV in DMF, indicating a moderate-to-strong interaction between the equivalent redox-active dipyrrin units of the dibenzoporphyrins(2.1.2.1). The experimentally measured highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) gaps ranged from 2.14 to 2.04 eV and were smaller than those seen for the planar copper tetraarylporphyrins(1.1.1.1), (Ar)4PCu.

Synthesis, structure and reactivity of μ3-SnH capped trinuclear nickel cluster.

Treatment of the trichlorotin-capped trinuclear nickel cluster, [Ni3(dppm)3(μ3-Cl)(μ3-SnCl3)], 1, with 4 eq. NaHB(Et)3 yields a μ3-SnH capped trinuclear nickel cluster, [Ni3(dppm)3(μ3-H)(μ3-SnH)], 2 [dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane]. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and computational studies together support that cluster 2 is a divalent tin hydride. Complex 2 displays a wide range of reactivity including oxidative addition of bromoethane across the Sn center. Addition of 1 eq. iodoethane to complex 2 releases H2 (g) and generates an ethyltin-capped nickel cluster with a μ3-iodide, [Ni3(dppm)3(μ3-I)(μ3-Sn(CH2CH3))], 4. Notably, insertion of alkynes into the Sn-H bond of 2 can be achieved via addition of 1 eq. 1-hexyne to generate the 1-hexen-2-yl-tin-capped nickel cluster, [Ni3(dppm)3(μ3H)(μ3-Sn(C6H11))], 5. Addition of H2 (g) to 5 regenerates the starting material, 2, and hexane. The formally 44-electron cluster 2 also displays significant redox chemistry with two reversible one-electron oxidations (E = -1.3 V, -0.8 V vs. Fc0/+) and one-electron reduction process (E = -2.7 V vs. Fc0/+) observed by cyclic voltammetry.

Design and Electrochemical Investigation of Ureido-Sulfonamidic Receptors for Phosphates

Anions play an important role in biological systems. At the same time, many of them are the major environmental pollutants and substances endangering living organisms [1]. For these purposes the anion recognition, elimination and sensing would find application in many branches including application in medicine or environmental chemistry. Suitable examples of anion pollutants are phosphates, which could cause eutrophication of water and they are also known for their limited removal from body fluids, which could lead to serious health problems. Therefore, the aim of our research group is the design and preparation of anionic receptors with suitable binding sites to bind these anions.In the first step of our synthesis a series of substituted nosylamidic intermediates (fig. a, b) was prepared. These substances are suitable precursors for the synthesis of novel receptors bearing ureido functions (fig. c). The sulfonamidic motif itself is known as a neutral donor of hydrogen bond. Hence for better understanding of the behaviour of the final urea receptors, the properties of intermediate molecules were studied by various physicochemical techniques including spectroscopic and electrochemical methods.Spectroscopic methods were used to evaluate the binding ability of this motif and to determine its acid-basic properties. Electrochemical methods (represented by polarography and cyclic voltammetry with mercury dropping or hanging electrodes in dimethylformamide with Bu4N PF6 as electrolyte) were chosen because the nitro groups in our intermediate molecules are not only important substituents enabling continuation in synthesis, but also electrochemical "probes" reflecting the properties of the parent molecule. Their reduction in aprotic media is generally known after the first one-electron reversible reduction step where a stable radical anion is formed, a three-electron irreversible process follows resulting in the corresponding hydroxylamine [2]. However, the reduction pattern of the series (b) is totally different: After the first irreversible step (theoretically involving 4/5 of electron) a one-electron reversible reduction takes place followed by a multielectron process. This behaviour can be explained by using autoprotonation mechanism [3] where the acidic hydrogen of the sulfonamidic group is involved.Then our attention focused on final receptors (fig c). It was shown, that sulfonamidic moiety can be utilized as an electron-withdrawing group useful to enhance the anion complexation properties of urea-based receptors. On the other hand, it brings an inherent predisposition for deprotonation in the presence of more basic anions. In order to shift the deprotonation/complexation equilibrium in favour of the complexation, the receptors were derivatized by electron-donating groups like –OCH3 at sulfonamidic moiety. The binding for this receptor was evaluated in a competitive solvent (DMSO) by using NMR titration experiments. The experimental results show a considerable selectivity of our receptor to phosphates compared to another biologically important anions such as Cl-, NO3 - and HSO4 - [4].Based on these results, the prepared receptors appear to be suitable motifs for binding phosphate anions. In order to take advantage of their binding capabilities, these molecules need to be attached to the surface of a suitable molecular carrier. The formation of these functional materials (in our case especially dendrimers) is also associated with the need to design and optimize methods to describe anion binding ability, as well as the possibility to recycle the prepared materials. This was the reason for which it seems to be interesting to consider the presence of an electrochemical “probe” also in the final molecular receptors. The redox transformation of such a probe should fundamentally affect the complexing abilities of the receptor and allow targeted degradation of the complex. Acknowledgements: The work was supported by the grant number 18-12150S and 20-07833S.

Electrosynthesis of π-Extended Porphyrins Via Reductive Decyanation

The development of new electrochemically driven synthetic routes to obtain π-extended porphyrins, or new synthetic porphyrins in general, is highly desirable since electrosynthesis is often able to afford a clean conversion of reactants to products without a great deal of contamination. At the same time, electrosynthesis, when combined with classical electrochemical measurements, can often provide unique insights into the mechanism and intermediates involved in formation of the desired product. This is explored in the current work where a novel electrosynthetic method for generation of π-extended porphyrins and the corresponding reductive decyanation mechanism is described. The heterogenous anion induced electrosynthetic method is also compared to a homogenous chemical synthesis method to obtain the same products, using anion-induced electron transfer (AIET). The starting porphyrins are β,meso-fused malononitrile derivatives are represented as MTPP(MN)2 and the π-extended, di-fused products as MTPP(VCN)2, where TPP = the dianion of tetraphenylporphyrin, MN = malononitrile, VCN = vinyl cyanide and M = H2, NiII, CuII and ZnII. Structures of these porphyrins are shown in Chart 1. The easily synthesized π-extended porphyrins with two fused cyanobenzene (benzonitrile) rings are characterized by three facile and reversible one-electron ring-centered reductions in THF containing 0.1 M TBAP. There is also a fourth irreversible reduction at the edge of the solvent. Figure 1

1,2,5]Chalcogenadiazole-fused Dicyanonaphthoquinodiimines: Larger Contribution from Chalcogen Bond than Weak Hydrogen Bond in Determining Crystal Structures

The title electron acceptors are planar molecules undergoing reversible two-stage one-electron reduction processes. In the crystal of selenadiazole derivative (1), tetrameric structure is formed by two kinds of chalcogen bond (ChB), which is further connected by ChB and weak hydrogen bond (WHB). Although sulfur analogue (2) has only weaker ChB, it crystallizes isomorphously to 1 forming ChB-tetramer, thus contribution from ChB is more dominant than WHB in determining the crystal packing, which is different from the corresponding tetracyanoquinodimethane analogues.

Facile Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Anion Induced Electrosynthesis: An Efficient Method for Obtaining π-Extended Porphyrins.

Two closely related electrosynthetic approaches are applied for the preparation of novel π-extended tetraphenylporphyrins from malononitrile-appended meso-β di-fused porphyrins, represented as MTPP(MN)2, where TPP = the dianion of tetraphenylporphyrin and MN = malononitrile. The first method involves application of a controlled reducing potential at a platinum electrode in CH2Cl2, while the second proceeds via cyanide anion induced electron transfer. Both methods produced the same decyanated, π-extended di-fused porphyrins represented as MTPP(VCN)2 where VCN = vinyl cyanide and M = H2, NiII, CuII, or ZnII in almost quantitative yields. The final isolated and purified porphyrin products are characterized by a split Soret band ranging from 411-497 nm and two broad intense Q bands. The new π-extended porphyrins are easier to reduce than the parent MTPP or MTPP(MN)2 compounds by 760-800 mV and 180-190 mV, respectively, and possess an electrochemical HOMO-LUMO gap ranging from 1.48 to 1.66 V. They are also characterized by two reversible one-electron ring-centered reductions in CH2Cl2 and three reversible one-electron ring-centered reductions in THF. A fourth irreversible reduction is seen in THF at more negative potentials and is assigned to one or two of the fused cyanobenzene rings of the macrocycle.

Effect of fused indanedione (IND) groups and antipodal β-substituents on electrochemical properties of unsymmetrical metalloporphyrins

The interacting effect of fused indanedione (IND) groups and antipodal Br [Formula: see text]-substituents on the electroreduction of free-base and transition metal tetraphenylporphyrins (TPPs) are elucidated through the use of cyclic voltammetry. A systematic study of the reduction potentials for mono- and di-fused derivatives of MTPP(IND)(R)2 and MTPP(IND)2(R)2 where R = Br or H and M = Cu[Formula: see text], Ni[Formula: see text], Zn[Formula: see text] or H2 is carried out in pyridine containing 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP) as supporting electrolyte and demonstrates how the overall electrochemical properties of these compounds can be tuned by systematic changes in the number of meso-[Formula: see text]fused IND groups on the molecule and the presence or absence of electron-withdrawing Br [Formula: see text]-substituents. Under these solution conditions, two reversible one-electron reductions are seen for H2TPP, while three reversible reductions are obtained for H2TPP(IND) or H2TPP(IND)Br2 and four for H2TPP(IND)2Br2. Multiple reductions also occur for the other investigated mono- and di-fused metalloporphyrins. Plots of measured [Formula: see text] values for the two ring-centered reductions of compounds in a given series vs. the number of fused IND groups are linear and with slopes varying in magnitude between 15 and 230 mV/IND depending upon the product of the electron transfer (anion radical or dianion), the specific central metal ion and the presence or absence of Br substituents on the pyrrole ring opposite the fused IND group(s). It is anticipated that the information from this study can be used for predicting the reduction potentials for yet to be synthesized compounds where a specific redox reactivity is desired.

Elucidating the Electroreduction Mechanism of the Monoprotonated Octaethylporphyrin. A Comparative Study with the Diprotonated Octaethyl- and meso-Tetraphenyl-porphyrins

The electrochemical reduction mechanisms of diprotonated tetraphenylporphyrin (H2TPP) and mono- and diprotonated octaethylporphyrin (H2OEP) were studied in tetrabutylammonium perchlorate/benzonitrile. The diprotonated forms of both porphyrins undergo two one-electron reversible reduction processes forming isophlorin. Contrastingly, monoprotonated H2OEP is reduced in a single process involving a two-electron one-proton transfer that yields two types of short-lived intermediates, isophlorin and neutral phlorin. The existence of intermolecular proton transfer reactions, from the parent protonated porphyrin to the isophlorin or neutral phlorin, to form phlorin cation species (isophlorin protonated at the meso-position) was demonstrated. In-situ UV–vis spectroelectrochemical experiments allowed us to identify the absorption of the isophlorin species of H2TPP but not of H2OEP. These results show that the lack of phenyl substituents increases the rate of protonation at the meso-position. Finally, it was demonstrated that the protonation of the porphyrin macrocycle not only lowers the reduction potentials but also increases the reactivity of the electrogenerated species.

Heteroleptic palladium(II) complexes of dipyrrin-1,9-dione supported by intramolecular hydrogen bonding

The dipyrrin-1,9-dione framework, which is characteristic of the propentdyopent pigments deriving from heme metabolism, coordinates metal ions as monoanionic bidentate donors. The resulting analogs of dipyrrinato complexes undergo reversible ligand-based reductions, thus showcasing the ability of the dipyrrindione scaffold to act as an electron reservoir. Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of three heteroleptic palladium complexes of the redox-active dipyrrindione ligand. Primary amines were chosen as additional ligands so as to assemble complexes of planar geometries with complementary interligand hydrogen-bonding. Full chemical characterization confirms the hydrogen bonding interactions between the primary amine ligands and the acceptor carbonyl groups on the dipyrrolic ligand. The resulting heteroleptic compounds display reversible one-electron reduction events that are centered on the dipyrrindione ligand as revealed by voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry data. Within these planar Pd(II) complexes, the propentdyopent motif therefore combines reversible ligand-based redox chemistry with interligand hydrogen bonding in the primary coordination sphere of the metal center.