Reversible Redox Waves Research Articles

Catalytic Oxidation of Methanol to Formaldehyde Catalyzed by Iron Complex with N3S3-type Tripodal Ligand.

A Fe3+ complex with N3S3-type tripod ligand, 1, reacts with O2 in CH3OH to generate formaldehyde, which has been studied structurally, spectroscopically, and electrochemically. Complex 1 crystallizes as an octahedral structure with crystallographic C3 symmetry around the metal, with Fe-N=2.2917(17) Å and Fe-S=2.3574(6) Å. UV-vis spectrum of 1 in CH3OH under Ar shows an intense band at 572 nm (ϵ 4,100 M-1cm-1), which shifts to 590 nm (ϵ 2,860 M-1cm-1) by the addition of O2, and a new peak appeared at 781 nm (ϵ 790 M-1cm-1). Such a spectral change is not observed in CH2Cl2. Cyclic voltammogram (CV) of 1 in CH2Cl2 under Ar gives reversible redox waves assigned to Fe2+/Fe3+ and Fe3+/Fe4+ couples at -1.60 V (ΔE=69 mV) and -0.53 V (ΔE=71 mV) vs Fc/Fc+, respectively. In contrast, in CH3OH, the reversible redox waves, albeit accompanied by a positive shift of the Fe2+/Fe3+ couple, are observed at -1.20 V (ΔE=85 mV) and -0.53 V (ΔE=64 mV) vs Fc/Fc+ under Ar. Interestingly, a catalytic current was observed for the CV of 1 in CH3OH in the presence of CH3ONa under Ar, when the sweep rate was slowed down.

A benzoquinone-imidazole hybrid organic anolyte for aqueous redox flow batteries.

A benzoquinone derivative annelated by two imidazole rings was investigated as an organic anolyte of aqueous redox flow batteries. The anolyte showed a high solubility of 0.18 M in 1 M KOH aqueous solution and exhibited a one-step two-electron reversible redox wave with a half-wave potential of -0.59 V VS. SHE. An aqueous redox flow cell comprising the benzoquinone-imidazole hybrid as the anolyte and potassium ferrocyanide as the catholyte showed an operating voltage of ∼1.1 V and minimum capacity fading of over 220 cycles.

Synthesis of NiII porphyrin-NiII 5,15-diazaporphyrin hybrid tapes.

NiII porphyrin (P) and NiII 5,15-diazaporphyrin (DAP) hybrid tapes were synthesized by Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of meso- or β-borylated P with β-brominated DAP followed by intramolecular oxidative fusion reactions. Meso-β doubly linked hybrid tapes were synthesized by oxidation of singly linked precursors with DDQ-FeCl3. Synthesis of triply linked hybrid tapes was achieved by oxidation with DDQ-FeCl3-AgOTf with suppression of peripheral β-chlorination. In these tapes, DAP segments were present as a 20π-electronic unit, but their local antiaromatic contribution was trivial. Remarkably, these hybrid tapes were stable and exhibited extremely enhanced absorption bands in the NIR region and multiple reversible redox waves. A pentameric hybrid tape showed a remarkably sharp and red-shifted band at 1168 nm with ε = 5.75 × 105 M-1 cm-1. Singly linked P-DAP dyads were oxidized with DDQ-FeCl3 to give stable radicals, which were oxidized further to afford dimeric hybrid tapes possessing a nitrogen atom at the peripheral-side meso-position.

Coordination-triggered redox activity of early and late lanthanide calix[4]arene complexes.

The methylation of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene in the distal 1,3-phenolic sites provides H2L = {p-tert-butylcalix[4](OMe)2(OH)2arene}. This unit acts as a rigid coordinating ligand to early and late lanthanide metal ions, enabling the construction of two families of mononuclear compounds featuring (N(nBu)4)[LnIIIL(acac)2]·CH3CN (Ln = Pr (1), Nd (2), Ho (3), and Er (4)) and (N(nBu)4)2[LnIIIL{Mo5O13(OMe)4(NO)}]·CH2Cl2 (Ln = Nd (5) and Er (6)). The metal ions adopt distorted bicapped trigonal prismatic coordination environments, resulting in slow relaxation of the magnetization for 4. These compounds exhibit reversible redox waves at positive potentials, centered within the calix[4]arene ligand, representing a new type of calix[n]arene-based electrochemical activity induced by coordination to the metal centers.

A Nitronyl Nitroxide-Substituted Benzotriazinyl Tetraradical.

High-spin organic tetraradicals with significant intramolecular exchange interactions have high potential for advanced technological applications and fundamental research, but those synthesized to date possess limited stability and processability. In this work, we have designed a tetraradical based on the Blatter's radical and nitronyl nitroxide radical moieties and successfully synthesized it by using the palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of a triiodo-derivative of the 1,2,4-benzotriazinyl radical with gold(I) nitronyl nitroxide-2-ide complex in the presence of a newly developed efficient catalytic system. The molecular and crystal structure of the tetraradical was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The tetraradical possesses good thermal stability with decomposition onset at ∼150 °C under an inert atmosphere and exhibits reversible redox waves at -0.54 and 0.45 V versus Ag/AgCl. The magnetic properties of the tetraradical were characterized by SQUID magnetometry of polycrystalline powders and EPR spectroscopy in various matrices. The collected data, analyzed by using high-level quantum chemical calculations, confirmed that the tetraradical has a triplet ground state and a nearby excited quintet state. The unique high stability of the prepared triazinyl-nitronylnitroxide tetraradical is a new milestone in the field of creating high-spin systems.

Synthese und Charakterisierung eines stabilen Nickelocenium‐Dikation‐Salzes

AbstractWir berichten über die Synthese und Charakterisierung der Nickelocenium‐Kationen [NiCp2]⋅+ und [NiCp2]2+ als deren [F‐{Al(ORF)3}2]− (Cp = C5H5; RF=C(CF3)3) Salze. Das diamagnetische [NiCp2]2+ ist das erste Beispiel für die Isolierung eines unsubstituierten Metallocen Dikations. Beide Salze wurden durch Reaktion von neutralem NiCp2 mit [NO]+[F‐{Al(ORF)3}2]− in 1,2,3,4‐Tetrafluorbenzol (4FB) erzeugt. Die Salze konnten durch Einkristall‐Röntgenbeugung charakterisiert werden, wobei kürzere Metall‐Ligand‐Bindungslängen für das höher geladene Salz gemessen wurden. Pulver‐Röntgenbeugung zeigte, dass die Salze phasenrein erhalten wurden. Cyclovoltammetrie in 4FB ergab quasi‐reversibel Redoxwellen bei −0.44 (0→1) und +1.17 V (1→2) gegen Fc/Fc+. Das 1H NMR von [NiCp2]2+ weist ein Singulett bei 8.6 ppm auf, während das paramagnetische [NiCp2]⋅+ deutlich Hochfeld auf −103.1 ppm verschoben ist.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Stable Nickelocenium Dication Salt.

We report the synthesis and characterization of the nickelocenium cations [NiCp2 ]⋅+ and [NiCp2 ]2+ as their [F-{Al(ORF )3 }2 ]- (Cp = C5 H5 ; RF =C(CF3 )3 ) salts. Diamagnetic [NiCp2 ]2+ represents the first example for the isolation of an unsubstituted parent metallocene dication. Both salts were generated by reacting neutral NiCp2 with [NO]+ [F-{Al(ORF )3 }2 ]- in 1,2,3,4-tetrafluorobenzene (4FB). The salts were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), indicating shorter metal-ligand bond lengths for the higher charged salt. Powder XRD shows the salts to be phase pure, cyclic voltammetry in 4FB gave quasi reversible redox waves at -0.44 (0→1) and +1.17 V (1→2) vs Fc/Fc+ . The 1 H NMR of [NiCp2 ]2+ is a singlet at 8.6 ppm, whereas paramagnetic [NiCp2 ]⋅+ is significantly shifted upfield to -103.1 ppm.

A Quadruply Bridged Non‐Offset Face‐to‐Face Porphyrin Dimer and Cross‐Shaped Pentameric Porphyrin Tapes Based on 2,7,12,17‐Tetrakis(pinacolatoboryl) NiII Porphyrin

Abstract2,7,12,17‐Tetrakis(pinacolatoboryl) NiII porphyrin 5 Ni was synthesized in 75 % yield by Ir‐catalyzed borylation of porphine followed by NiII metalation and has been demonstrated to be a useful synthon, giving 2,7,12,17‐tetraaryated NiII porphyrins 6 a–d, peripherally octaarylated NiII porphyrins 8 a–d, quadruply bridged face‐to‐face non‐offset NiII‐porphyrin dimer 12, and cross‐shaped β‐meso singly linked porphyrin pentamers and nonamers. Oxidation of cross‐shaped β‐meso singly linked porphyrin pentamers 14 Ni and 14 Zn gave fused pentameric tapes 15 Ni and 15 Zn. The structures of 12, 14 Zn, and 15 Ni have been revealed by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Optical separation of 12 has been accomplished, showing a bisignate coupling pattern for exciton‐coupled blue‐shifted Soret band. Pentameric porphyrin tape 15 Zn exhibits a red‐shifted absorption band at 1156 nm and seven reversible redox waves.

A Quadruply Bridged Non-Offset Face-to-Face Porphyrin Dimer and Cross-Shaped Pentameric Porphyrin Tapes Based on 2,7,12,17-Tetrakis(pinacolatoboryl) NiII Porphyrin.

2,7,12,17-Tetrakis(pinacolatoboryl) NiII porphyrin 5 Ni was synthesized in 75 % yield by Ir-catalyzed borylation of porphine followed by NiII metalation and has been demonstrated to be a useful synthon, giving 2,7,12,17-tetraaryated NiII porphyrins 6 a-d, peripherally octaarylated NiII porphyrins 8 a-d, quadruply bridged face-to-face non-offset NiII -porphyrin dimer 12, and cross-shaped β-meso singly linked porphyrin pentamers and nonamers. Oxidation of cross-shaped β-meso singly linked porphyrin pentamers 14 Ni and 14 Zn gave fused pentameric tapes 15 Ni and 15 Zn. The structures of 12, 14 Zn, and 15 Ni have been revealed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Optical separation of 12 has been accomplished, showing a bisignate coupling pattern for exciton-coupled blue-shifted Soret band. Pentameric porphyrin tape 15 Zn exhibits a red-shifted absorption band at 1156 nm and seven reversible redox waves.

Sensitive Electrochemical Quantification of Proanthocyanidins in Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) by Utilizing Disposable Screen‐printed Carbon Electrodes

AbstractThis work presents quantification of proanthocyanidins (PAs) isolated from grapevine using disposable screen‐printed carbon electrodes (SPCE). Procyanidin B2 (B2) used as a model to investigate the electrochemical characteristics of complicated PAs structures in Britton Robinson buffer solution using cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry. B2 exhibits a well‐defined reversible redox wave at +0.49 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Significantly, the B2 was determined over a linear concentration range of 3.45–34.6 μM with a detection limit of 2.07 μM. The SPCE was used to analyze PAs in grapevine samples, and the results were consistent with those obtained using Folin‐Ciocalteu standard method.

Six-coordinate ruthenium water oxidation catalysts bearing equatorial polypyridinedicarboxylato and axial phosphine ligands

Ruthenium catalysts for water oxidation combining multidentate ligands [2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine]-6,6″-dicarboxylato (tda) and 2,2′-bipyridine-6,6′-dicarboxylato (bda) with apical phosphine ligands have been prepared. These new complexes were fully characterized by standard spectroscopic and single-crystal X-ray crystallography analyses, and their redox properties were evaluated by electrochemistry. Specifically, [RuII(tda)(tris(2-furyl)phosphine)2] displayed two reversible redox waves that were assigned to the RuII/III and RuIII/IV transitions, respectively. The number of turnovers in CeIV-driven water oxidation reached 258 for the bda analog, and for the tda analog, early reaction rates were first order in initial catalyst concentration. The effects of adding fractional equivalents of CeIV were studied using UV–vis spectroscopy. Steric and electronic changes in the axial phosphine ligand can exert their effects on the properties and catalytic activity of the resulting complexes, which may be useful when exploring other chemistry of these complexes.

A metal alkynyl molecular wire with PN ligands: Synthesis, isomerization, physical properties and single-molecule conductance

As new candidates for organometallic molecular wires, we designed a ruthenium trans-di(alkynyl) molecular wire 1H, trans-Ru(PN)2(C≡CC≡C-H)2, with the two mixed phosphine-pyridine supporting ligands (PN: 2-diphenylphosphinomethyl-6-methylpyridine). While two stereo-isomers with the syn and anti configurations were possible, the syn isomers of triisopropylsilylbutadiynyl precursors syn-1TIPS and syn-1H were prepared in direct and stereo-selective manners. Electrochemical analysis of syn-1TIPS revealed a virtually reversible redox wave with the potential cathodically shifted compared to that of the bis(diphosphine) analogue 2TMS, trans-Ru(dppe)2(C≡CC≡C-SiMe3)2. The density functional theoretical (DFT) study supports the similarity of the electronic structures of 1 and 2 with the HOMOs being close to the Fermi energy level of gold electrodes. STM-break junction measurements of Au-syn-1-Au (Au: gold electrode) revealed high single-molecule conductance (1.9 × 10–2G0), which is comparable to that of Au-2-Au. Calculations on the basis of the DFT-non equilibrium Green’s function method also support the experimental results. Notably, the molecular junction Au- syn-1-Au can be formed from syn-1H through C-H activation and formation of Au-C bonds without any pre-functionalization in contrast to the bis(diphosphine) analogue 2H, which requires terminal gold functionalization.

Tuning the Properties of Donor-Acceptor and Acceptor-Donor-Acceptor Boron Difluoride Hydrazones via Extended π-Conjugation.

Molecular materials with π-conjugated donor–acceptor (D–A) and acceptor–donor–acceptor (A–D–A) electronic structures have received significant attention due to their usage in organic photovoltaic materials, in organic light-emitting diodes, and as biological imaging agents. Boron-containing molecular materials have been explored as electron-accepting units in compounds with D–A and A–D–A properties as they often exhibit unique and tunable optoelectronic and redox properties. Here, we utilize Stille cross-coupling chemistry to prepare a series of compounds with boron difluoride hydrazones (BODIHYs) as acceptors and benzene, thiophene, or 9,9-dihexylfluorene as donors. BODIHYs with D–A and A–D–A properties exhibited multiple reversible redox waves, solid-state emission with photoluminescence quantum yields up to 10%, and aggregation-induced emission (AIE). Optical band gaps (or highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) gaps) determined for these compounds (2.02–2.25 eV) agree well with those determined from cyclic voltammetry experiments (2.05–2.42 eV). The optoelectronic properties described herein are rationalized with density functional theory calculations that support the interpretation of the experimental findings. This work provides a foundation of understanding that will allow for the consideration of D–A and A–D–A BODIHYs to be incorporated into applications (e.g., organic electronics) where fine-tuning of band gaps is required.

Blending the Optical and Redox Properties of Oligoynes and Boron Difluoride Formazanates

Oligoynes and polyynes are 1D chains of conjugated sp-hybridized carbon atoms consisting of alternating single and triple bonds. Their stability rapidly decreases with increasing chain length beyond only a few repeating units. Design strategies, such as the use of bulky end-capping groups, allow for their characterization and isolation while not contributing significantly to their physical properties. In this study, we incorporate redox-active BF2 formazanate dyes (BF2) as end-caps to prepare symmetric (BF2−[C≡C]n−BF2) and asymmetric (BF2−[C≡C]n−Si(iPr)3) families of oligoynes containing up to 10 alkyne units. In doing so, we introduce stable oligoynes that possess a blend of optical and redox properties that cannot be achieved by either oligoynes or BF2 formazanates individually (e.g., panchromatic absorption, multiple and tunable reversible redox waves). This approach is transferable to other functional end-caps to facilitate the preparation of π-conjugated materials with utility in the organic electronics arena.

Blending the Optical and Redox Properties of Oligoynes and Boron Difluoride Formazanates.

Oligoynes and polyynes are 1D chains of conjugated sp-hybridized carbon atoms consisting of alternating single and triple bonds. Their stability rapidly decreases with increasing chain length beyond only a few repeating units. Design strategies, such as the use of bulky end-capping groups, allow for their characterization and isolation while not contributing significantly to their physical properties. In this study, we incorporate redox-active BF2 formazanate dyes (BF2 ) as end-caps to prepare symmetric (BF2 -[C≡C]n -BF2 ) and asymmetric (BF2 -[C≡C]n -Si(iPr)3 ) families of oligoynes containing up to 10 alkyne units. In doing so, we introduce stable oligoynes that possess a blend of optical and redox properties that cannot be achieved by either oligoynes or BF2 formazanates individually (e.g., panchromatic absorption, multiple and tunable reversible redox waves). This approach is transferable to other functional end-caps to facilitate the preparation of π-conjugated materials with utility in the organic electronics arena.

IR spectroelectrochemistry of a heterobimetallic ferrocene-CORM

• Heterobimetallic manganese tricarbonyl-ferrocene complex prepared. • Redox processes studied with cyclic voltammetry (CV). • Reversible redox wave at ferrocene but irreversible ones on manganese centre. • IR spectroelectrochemistry used to study interaction between two metal sites. Heterobimetallic manganese tricarbonyl-ferrocene complex studied with IR spectroelectrochemistry for CO release.

Modulation of Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Properties in Ru(II)‐Terpyridyl End‐Capped Homobimetallic Organometallic Complexes by Varying π‐Conjugated Organic Spacers

AbstractA series of wire‐like binuclear Ru(II) complexes, 10–13, of general formula [(tpy‐C6H4‐Me)(PPh3)2Ru−C≡C−Ar‐C≡C−Ru(PPh3)2(tpy‐C6H4‐Me)]2+, (tpy‐C6H4‐Me=4′(4‐tolyl)‐2,2′‐6′,2′′‐terpyridyl; Ar=thienyl, phenyl, benzothiadiazolyl and fluorenyl respectively) have been judiciously designed, developed and characterized by various spectroscopic tools. The aromatic bridging moieties have been varied systematically to tune not only the chain length but also the electronic nature of the spacer units. To understand the intermetallic electronic properties, electrochemical and UV‐Vis‐NIR spectroscopic studies have been explored. Electrochemical studies reveal reversible redox waves for 10, and quasi‐reversible to irrreversible redox waves for 11–13 in the region of 0.30‐0.60 V and 0.55‐0.75 V (with respect to reference electrode of Ag/AgCl), presumably due to successive one electron oxidation of the Ru(II) conjugates. Interestingly, complexes 10 and 11 show promising NIR absorption (ϵ in order of 103 M−1cm−1). Electron transfer in the diruthenium wire‐like complexes can be perturbed to different extent by varying the spacer units. The computational studies (DFT and TDDFT) further support the structure property relationship, electrochemical and spectrsopic properties which is mediated through the participation of the bridging ligand in the corresponding mono‐oxidized organometallic wire‐like complexes.

Electroactivity of PIPO nitroxide radical polymer films

Nitroxide radical polymers (NRPs) are widely used as electroactive materials in a range of electrochemical applications, however, their preparation can be complex. Polyamine Immobilised Piperidinyl Oxyl (PIPO) is a commercially available, well-defined, NRP whose electrochemical properties have not been explored to date. Cyclic voltammetric (CV) studies demonstrate the electroactivity of PIPO in a range of organic electrolytes, displaying quasi -reversible redox waves, characteristic of a nitroxide radical / oxoammonium couple, with midpoint potentials in the range of 0.2 to 0.3 V vs. Fc + / Fc. When immobilised at a graphite electrode surface, PIPO maintains its electroactivity, forming stable, swellable films in acetonitrile-based electrolyte. Voltammetric and potentiometric analyses indicate that films can undergo repeated charge / discharge cycling, possibly facilitated by a diffusional controlled ‘electron hopping’ process. Furthermore, CV studies indicate that PIPO is an effective surface confined electrocatalyst for oxidation reactions of relevance to organic electrosynthesis and to lithium-air battery development. Such insights establish the basis for further investigations of PIPO as an accessible, cost-effective, and adaptable electroactive material for electrocatalytic and energy storage applications.

A new catalyst based on a nickel(II) complex of diiminodiphosphine for hydrogen evolution and oxidation

Based on that hydrogen energy is widely used in fuel cells, we focus our interests on the design and research of new complexes that catalyze the reaction in both directions, such as hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) and hydrogen oxidation reactions (HORs). A highly efficient catalyst for both hydrogen evolution and oxidation, based on a nickel(II) complex, [Ni-en-P2](ClO4)2, has been designed and provided by the reaction of Ni(ClO4)2 with N,N′-bis[o-(diphenylphosphino)benzylidene]ethylenediamine (en-P2) in our group. Its structure has been determined by X-ray diffraction. [Ni-en-P2](ClO4)2 can electro-catalyze hydrogen evolution both from acetic acid and a neutral buffer (pH 7.0) with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 204 and 1327 mol of hydrogen per mole of catalyst per hour (H2/mol catalyst/h) under an overpotential (OP) of 914.6 mV and 836.6 mV, respectively. [Ni-en-P2](ClO4)2 also can electro-catalyze hydrogen oxidation with a TOF of 111.7 s−1 under an OP of 330 mV. The results can be attributed to that [NiII-en-P2](ClO4)2 has three good reversible redox waves at 1.01 (NiIII/II), −0.79 (NiII/I) and −1.38 V (NiI/0) versus Fc+/0, respectively. We hope these findings can afford a new method for the design of electrocatalysts for both H2 evolution and H2 oxidation.

Synthesis of a Ru(II) Complex with a Naphthoquinone-Annelated Imidazole Ligand Exhibiting Proton-Responsive Redox and Luminescent Behavior

A mononuclear ruthenium complex, [RuII(L)(bpy)2](PF6), with a naphthoquinone-annelated imidazole ligand HL (2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-naphtho[2,3-d]imidazole-4,9-dione) was synthesized and structurally characterized. Electrochemical study reveals that the Ru complex shows four reversible redox waves at +0.98 V, −1.13 V, −1.53 V, and −1.71 V versus SCE in acetonitrile, which are assigned to Ru(II)/Ru(III), L−/L•2−, and two bpy/bpy•− redox couples, respectively. The redox potential of Ru(II)/Ru(III) was positively shifted upon the addition of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid due to protonation of the L− moiety, leading to stabilization of the Ru 4d orbital. In UV-vis absorption measurements for the Ru complex in acetonitrile, a metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) band was observed at 476 nm, which was shifted to 450 nm by protonation, which might be due to a decrease in the electron delocalization and stabilization of the π orbitals in L−. The blue shift of the MLCT band by protonation was associated with a shift of an emission band from 774 nm to 620 nm, which could be caused by the decreased electronic delocalization in the MLCT excited state. These electrochemical and spectroscopic changes were reversible for the protonation/deprotonation stimuli.