Bipyridine ligands have been used in conjunction with group 6 and group 7 for the electrochemical reduction of CO2, due to their ability to act as electron reservoirs. The bipyridine ligand can be tuned sterically and electronically to affect or prevent reactivity such as dimerization. Dimerization is readily seen in manganese bipyridine complexes and also reported for rhenium species. Steric bulk has been used to prevent dimerization, but electronic effects on dimerization have not explored in detail. In this study, we examine tungsten and rhenium metal complexes of various ligands (including, but not limited to bipyridines) and analyze their capability for CO2 reduction via cyclic voltammetry, IR-SEC, and DFT. We also examine the effect of the various ligand structures on the ability to form dimeric species upon reduction. The role of the ligand structure on CO2 reduction by group 6 and 7 catalysts is discussed.

Examination of ligand effects on CO2 reduction and dimerization in group 6 and 7 complexes

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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