Storing light energy in the form of chemical bonds by achieving photochemical conversion of water to H2 and O2 is a way to meet future energy demands. Several organometallic complexes have been known to mediate this transformation, but not catalytically. Inspired by these findings, we investigated the photochemical properties of a known tetrameric complex [Mn(CO)3(OH)]4 (1) and demonstrated production of H2 and H2O2 upon irradiation of 1 in a biphasic (water/toluene) mixture. Photodecomposition of 1 rendered the system non-catalytic. However, our studies with 1 revealed some mechanistic insights such as species resulting from disproportionation and disassembly of the cluster. To address these shortcomings, we are using a phenolic POP pincer ligand to stabilize intermediates along an envisioned catalytic water splitting route. Metalation of the POP ligand yields various mono and multi-nuclear manganese pincer complexes. The synthesis, characterization, and reactivity with water of these complexes are the focus of this presentation.

Coordination chemistry of organomanganese phenolic-pincer complexes

255th National Meeting (2018)

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