The splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen is considered an attractive approach for storing energy as fuels. Here we present detailed characterization of complexes 1 [Ru(bda)(PR3)2] (bda = 2,2’-bipyridine-6,6’-dicarboxylate), using a variety of phosphines and phosphites, isolated in good yields and fully characterized by NMR, elemental analysis, UV-vis and X-ray crystallography. The redox properties of the prepared complexes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry aqueous acid and base. In many cases, a clearly reversible Ru(II)/(III) couple was observed, even after exposure to 1.6 V vs Ag/AgCl), suggesting some stability of the bound phosphines. CV was also performed in non-aqueous propylene carbonate/ Bu4NPF6 ; an increase in current was observed with more water. In addition, CV of a solution of 1 (PR3 = PEt3) in phosphate buffer / trifluoroethanol showed a greatly decreased in E1/2 reduction peak with increase of pH. Variation of the phosphine and phosphite ligands helped to illuminate the stability of complexes and significant changes in the reactivity of these compounds.

Synthesis and electrochemistry of ruthenium 2,2’-bipyridine-6,6’-dicarboxylate catalysts using different phosphorus ligands

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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