Creation of a stereoselective solid surface by self-assembly of a chiral metal complex onto a nano-thick clay film

A stereoselective solid surface has been created by the self-assembly of a chiral osmium complex, λ-[Os(phen)₃](ClO₄)₂ (phen=1,10-phenanthroline), onto a single layered clay film deposited on an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode; the Os^II–Os^III redox couple mediates the electrochemical oxidation of chiral 1,1^′-2-binaphthol in a stereoselective way or the S-isomer is oxidized at 1.4 times higher rate than the R-isomer.     

Chemistry of osmium in N2P2Br2 coordination sphere: Synthesis,structure and reactivities

A family of three mixed-ligand osmium complexes of type [Os(PPh₃)₂(N-N)Br₂], where N-N=2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (Me₂bpy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), have been synthesized and characterized. The complexes are diamagnetic (low-spin d⁶, S=0) and in dichloromethane solution they show intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. The two bromide ligands have been replaced from the coordination sphere of [Os(PPh₃)₂(phen)Br₂] under mild conditions by a series of anionic ligands L (where L=quinolin-8-olate (q), picolinate (pic), oxalate (Hox) and 1-nitroso-2-naphtholate (nn)) to afford complexes of type [Os(PPh₃)₂(phen)(L)]⁺, which have been isolated and characterized as the perchlorate salt. The structure of the [Os(PPh₃)₂(phen)(pic)]ClO₄ complex has been determined by X-ray crystallography. The PPh₃ ligands occupy trans positions and the picolinate anion is coordinated to osmium as a bidentate N,O-donor forming a five-membered chelate ring. The [Os(PPh₃)₂(phen)(L)]⁺ complexes are diamagnetic and show multiple MLCT transitions in the visible region. The [Os(PPh₃)₂(N-N)Br₂] complexes show an osmium(II)–osmium(III) oxidation (−0.02 to 0.12 V vs. SCE) followed by an osmium(III)–osmium(IV) oxidation (1.31 to 1.43 V vs. SCE). The [Os(PPh₃)₂(phen)(L)]⁺ complexes display the osmium (II)–osmium (III) oxidation (0.26 to 0.84 V vs. SCE) and one reduction of phen (−1.50 to −1.79 V vs. SCE). The osmium (III)–osmium (IV) oxidation has been observed only for the L=q and L=Hox complexes at 1.38 V vs. SCE and 1.42 V vs. SCE respectively. The osmium(III) species, viz. [Os^III(PPh₃)₂(N-N)Br₂]⁺ and [Os^III(PPh₃)₂(phen)(L)]²⁺, have been generated both chemically and electrochemically and characterized in solution by electronic spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.     

Hydrothermal syntheses, crystal structures of three new organic–inorganic hybrids constructed from Keggin-type [BW12O40] clusters and transition metal complexes

Three new organic–inorganic hybrid compounds constructed from Keggin-type polyanions and transition metal complexes, [Mn(2,2′-bipy)₃]_1.5[BW₁₂O₄₀Mn(2,2′-bipy)₂(H₂O)]·0.25H₂O (1), [Fe(2,2′-bipy)₃]_1.5[BW₁₂O₄₀Fe(2,2′-bipy)₂(H₂O)]·0.5H₂O (2) and [Cu₂(phen)₂(OH)₂]₂H[Cu(H₂O)₂{BW₁₂O₄₀Cu_0.75(phen)(H₂O)}₂]·1.5H₂O (3), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, TGA and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural and both exhibit monosupporting polyoxometalate cluster structure, each of which contains a [BW₁₂O₄₀]⁵⁻ cluster decorated by one transition metal complex. Compound 3 contains a bisupporting polyoxometalate cluster anion where two {Cu_0.75(phen)(H₂O)}^0.75+ fragments are supported on the polyoxometalate dimer {Cu(H₂O)₂(BW₁₂O₄₀)₂}⁸⁻, this represents the first bisupporting polyoxometalate cluster based on a Keggin-type polyoxometalate dimer, which are further packed together via π–π stacking contacts into an extended 1-D chain.     

Coordination Polyhedra OsXn(X = F, Cl, Br, I) in Crystal Structures

The Voronoi–Dirichlet polyhedra (VDP) and the method of intersecting spheres were used to perform crystal-chemical analysis of compounds containing complexes [Os _a X _b ] ^z–(X = F, Cl, Br, I). Atoms of Os(V) at X = F and Cl, of Os(IV) at X = Cl, Br, and of Os(III) at X = Br were found to exhibit a coordination number of 6 with respect to the halogen atoms and to form OsX₆octahedra. The coordination polyhedra of Os(III) for X = Cl, I are square pyramids OsX₄. Each Os(III) atom forms one Os–Os bond; as a consequence, the OsBr₆octahedra share a face in forming Os₂Br^3– ₉complexes, while the OsX₄pyramids (X = Cl, I) dimerize to produce [X₄Os–OsX₄]^2–ions. The influence of the valence state of the Os atoms and of the nature of the halogen atoms on the composition and structure of the complexes formed and some characteristics of the coordination sphere of Os were considered.     

Electrochemical and DNA-binding properties of dipyridophenazine complexes of osmium(II)

A transition metal complex as an electrochemical probe of a DNA sensor must have an applicable redox potential, high binding affinity and chemical stability. Some complexes with the dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (DPPZ) ligand have been reported to have high binding affinity for DNA. However, it was difficult to detect the targeted DNA electrochemically using these complexes because of the relatively high redox potential. In this work, a combination of bipyridine ligands with functional groups (---NH₂, ---CH₃ and ---COOH) and the DPPZ ligand were studied. The introduction of electron-donating groups was effective for controlling the redox potential of the DPPZ-type osmium complex. The [Os(DA-bpy)₂DPPZ]²⁺ complex (DA-bpy; 4,4′-diamino-2,2′-bipyridine) had a lower half-wave potential (E_1/2) of 147 mV (vs. Ag AgCl) and higher binding affinity with DNA {binding constant, K=3.1×10⁷ M⁻¹ in 10 mmol dm⁻³ Tris–HCl buffer with 50 mmol dm⁻³ NaCl (pH 7.76)} than those of other complexes. With the single stranded DNA (ssDNA) modified gold electrode, the hybridization signal (ΔI) of the [Os(DA-bpy)₂DPPZ]²⁺ complex was linear in the concentration range of 1.0 pg ml⁻¹–0.12 μg ml⁻¹ for the targeted DNA with a regression coefficient of 0.999. The detection limit was 0.1 pg ml⁻¹.     

Direct electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry of osmium substituted horseradish peroxidase

In this contribution the substitution of the central protoporphyrin IX iron complex of horseradish peroxidase by the respective osmium porphyrin complex is described. The direct electrochemical reduction of the Os containing horseradish peroxidase (OsHRP) was achieved at ITO and modified glassy carbon electrodes and in combination with spectroscopy revealed the three redox couples Os^IIIHRP/Os^IVHRP, Os^IVHRP/Os^VHRP and Os^VHRP/Os^VIHRP. The midpoint potentials differ dependent on the electrode material used with E_1/2 (Os^III/IV) of − 0.4 V (ITO) and − 0.25 V (GC), E_1/2 (Os^IV/^V) of − 0.16 V (ITO) and + 0.10 V (GC), and E_1/2 (Os^V/VI)of + 0.18 V (ITO), respectively. Moreover, with immobilised OsHRP the direct electrocatalytic reduction of hydrogen peroxide and tert-butyl hydroperoxide was observed. In comparison to electrodes modified with native HRP the sensitivity of the OsHRP-electrode for tert-butyl hydroperoxide is higher.     

A perchlorate-promoted electrochemically induced nitride coupling reaction

The osmium nitride complex [Os^VI(NH₃)₄N]³⁺ undergoes a one-electron reduction in acetonitrile to give [Os^V(N)(NH₃)₄]²⁺, which further reacts by nitride coupling to give the μ-dinitrogen osmium complex [(CH₃CN)(NH₃)₄Os^II(N₂)Os^II(NH₃)₄(CH₃CN)]⁴⁺. The formation of the μ-dinitrogen osmium complex is promoted by the presence of perchlorate anion, which causes the deposition of [(CH₃CN)(NH₃)₄Os^II(N₂)Os^II(NH₃)₄(CH₃CN)](ClO₄)₄ on the electrode surface upon repetitive voltammetric scans.     

Use of the Cationic Fragments [Ru(η5-C5H5) (MeCN)3]+ and [M(η6-C6H5R)(MeCN)3]+ (M=Os, Ru; R=H, Me) as Ionic Coupling Reagents in the Synthesis of the Clusters [Os4M2(CO)12(η6-C6H5R)], [Os4M(CO)12(η6-C6H6)(Au2dppm)] and [Os5Ru(CO)15(η5-C5H5)(AuPPh3)]*

The clusters [H₂Os₄M(CO)₁₂eta⁶-C₆H₆)] (M=Os, Ru) may be deprotonated to generate anions [Os₄M(CO)₁₂eta⁶-C₆H₆)]^2- which react with [M′eta⁶-C₆H₅R) (MeCN)₃]²⁺(M^′=Os, Ru; R=H, Me) to give the bicapped tetrahedral clusters [Os₄(CO)₁₂MM′eta⁶-C₆H₅R)₂]. Whereas [Os₄(CO)₁₂M₂eta⁶-C₆H₆)₂] (M=Os, Ru) have one Meta⁶-C₆H₆) unit in a site connected to three other metals, {3}, and one in a site connected to four other metals, {4}, [Os₄(CO)₁₂OsRueta⁶-C₆H₆)₂] has the Rueta⁶-C₆H₆) unit in the {3} site irrespective of whether the Os or Ru anion is capped. Coupling of these anions with Au₂dppm yields [Os₄M(CO)₁₂eta⁶-C₆H₆)(Au₂dppm)] (M=Os, Ru), which have the arene ligand in the axial site of a trigonal bipyramid and the digold unit capping two faces. Reduction of [H₂Os₅(CO)₁₅] with K/Ph₂CO and coupling with [Rueta⁵-C₅H₅)(MeCN)₃]²⁺yields the monoanion [Os₅(CO)₁₅Rueta⁵-C₅H₅)]^? which reacts with [AuPPh₃]⁺ generating [Os₅(CO)₁₅Rueta⁵-C₅H₅)(AuPPh₃)] with the “Ru(C₅H₅)” unit in the terminal {3} site.     

Reactions of bis(isopropylxanthato)nickel(II) with nitrogen-donor ligands—II

New complexes of bivalent nickel with isopropylxanthates and nitrogen-donor ligands of composition [Ni(Prⁱxa)₂(L)], [Ni(Prⁱxa)₂(L¹)₂], [Ni(L²)₂](Prⁱxa)₂, and [Ni(L³)₃] (Prⁱxa)₂ have been synthesized, where Prⁱxa = i-C₃H₇OCS₂⁻, L = 1,2-diaminopropane (1,2-pn), N,N,N′,N′=tetramethylethylenediamine (tmen) or 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy), L¹ = pyridine (py), L² = diethylenetriamine (dien) and L³ = ethylenediamine (en), 1,2-diaminopropane or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen). The compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy, magnetochemical measurements, molar conductivity and thermal analysis. The compounds containing the complex cation have been one-electron irreversibly oxidized using cyclic voltammetry. The crystal and molecular structures of [Ni(Prⁱxa)₂(tmen)] and [Ni(phen)₃](Prⁱxa)₂ have been elucidated.     

Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure determination of platinum(IV) complexes containing, bipyridine derivatives and chloride, [Pt(5,5′-dmbipy)Cl4] and [Pt(6-mbipy)Cl4]

The complex [Pt(5,5′-dmbipy)Cl₄] (1) (5,5′-dmbipy is 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) was prepared from the reaction of H₂PtCl₆·6H₂O with 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine in methanol. The same method was employed to make [Pt(6-mbipy)Cl₄] (2) (6-mbipy is 6-methyl-2,2′-bipyridine). Both complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–Vis, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spectroscopy. Their solid state structures were determined by the X-ray diffraction method.     

pH-Directed assembly and magnetic properties of two polynuclear Mn complexes: (Δ, Λ)-{Mn3(phen)2(OOCCH3)6} and 1-D [Mn(phen)Cl2]n

When the reaction conditions are deliberately controlled by the pH, two different polynuclear manganese complexes, (Δ, Λ)-{Mn₃(phen)₂ (CH₃COO)₆} (1) and [Mn(phen)Cl₂]_n (2) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), have been synthesized from the same raw materials. The structural analyses show that 1 has a structure formed by neutral chiral linear trinuclear molecules, while 2 has a structure consisting of one-dimensional infinite chains. A study of the temperature dependent magnetic susceptibilities reveal that 1 is an antiferromagnetically coupled trimer molecule while 2 shows ferromagnetic interactions within the chain.     

Steric and Electronic Influences in Os3(CO)11(PR3) Structures

The structures of Os₃(CO)₁₁(PR₃) with R=F, OPh, Et, p-C₆H₄Me, o-C₆H₄Me, p-C₆H₄(CF₃) and C₆H₁₁, and with PR₃=P(OCH₂)₃CMe have been determined. The Os–Os bond lengths in these compounds are compared to the Os–Os lengths for the other structures of Os₃(CO)₁₁(PR₃) clusters reported in the literature. In most cases, the Os–Os bond length remote from the P ligand [range, 2.8666(4)–2.9044(4) Å] and that in the pseudo-trans position [range, 2.8712(5)–2.900(1) Å] show little variation as the steric and electronic properties of the P ligand are varied. The Os–Os length cis to PR₃ shows more variation [range, 2.879(1)–2.9429(4) Å] and is sensitive to both the size and the -donor/-acceptor properties of the PR₃ ligand: larger or better donor PR₃ ligands cause an increase in the Os–Os bond length. The Os–P distances [range, 2.15(2)–2.478(1) Å] show a similar dependence on the steric and electronic properties of the PR₃ ligand.     

Synthesis, Structure, and Nonrigidity of Os7(CO)20(CNBu t )

The cluster Os₇(CO)₂₀(CNBu ^t ) (1) has been prepared in 25% yield by the reaction of Os₆(CO)₁₈ with Me₃NO and Os(CO)₄(CNBu ^t ) at –78°C. The crystal structure of 1 reveals the expected capped octahedral arrangement of metal atoms with the noncarbonyl ligand attached to the capping Os atom. The OsOs lengths in the two independent molecules in the unit cell are in the range 2.823(1)–2.922(1) Å, with the longer bonds associated with the Os₃ triangle farthest from the capping Os atom. The ¹³C NMR spectrum of 1 in solution at room temperature has a 3:3:1 pattern that is consistent with rotation of the individual Os(CO)₂(L) (L=CO or CNBu ^t ) groups in the cluster. This in turn supports the idea that the capping Os(CO)₂(CNBu ^t ) unit binds to the central Os₆ via a centrally directed MO plus two tangential molecular orbitals.     

Surface Mediated Organometallic Synthesis: Formation of [H5Os10(CO)24]− by Hydrogenation of Silica-Supported [Os(CO)3(OH)2]n as a Springboard for a High-Yield Synthesis of [H4Os10(CO)24]2− Starting from α-[Os(CO)3Cl2]2 and Working in Ethylene Glycol Solution

New high yield routes to the high nuclearity hydrido carbonyl clusters [H₅Os₁₀(CO)₂₄]^- and [H₄Os₁₀(CO)₂₄]^2-, model systems for the chemisorption of CO and H₂ on metal surfaces, are reported. [H₅Os₁₀(CO)₂₄]^- is obtained in good yields by hydrogenation (1 atm) at 200°C of physisorbed [Os(CO)₃(OH)₂]_n whereas in refluxing ethylene glycol solution, that is less acidic than the silica surface, [H₄Os₁₀(CO)₂₄]^2- is obtained in high yield starting from [Os(CO)₃(OH)₂]_n or, more conveniently, from -[Os(CO)₃Cl₂]₂ in the presence of the stoichiometric amount of sodium carbonate. The quantitative equilibrium

Synthesis, DNA-binding and photocleavage studies of [Ru(phen)2(pbtp)] and [Ru(bpy)2(pbtp)] (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; pbtp = 4,5,9,11,14-pentaaza-benzo[b]triphenylene)

Based on the ligand dppz (dppz = dipyrido-[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine), a new ligand pbtp (pbtp = 4,5,9,11,14-pentaaza-benzo[b]triphenylene) and its polypyridyl ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(phen)₂(pbtp)]²⁺ (1) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and [Ru(bpy)₂(pbtp)]²⁺ (2) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ES-MS and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The DNA-binding of these complexes were investigated by spectroscopic methods and viscosity measurements. The experimental results indicate that both complexes 1 and 2 bind to CT-DNA in classical intercalation mode, and can enantioselectively interact with CT-DNA. It is interesting to note that the pbtp ruthenium(II) complexes, in contrast to the analogous dppz complexes, do not show fluorescent behavior when intercalated into DNA. When irradiated at 365 nm, both complexes promote the photocleavage of pBR 322 DNA.     

Photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of GMP on an ITO electrode modified with clay/[Ru(phen)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(dC18bpy)]<Superscript>2+</Superscript> hybrid film

An indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode modified with monolayer clay/[Ru(phen)₂(dC18bpy)]²⁺ (phen=1,10-phenanthroline, dC18bpy = 4,4′-dioctadecyl-2,2′ bipyridyl) hybrid film has been fabricated by the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) method. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the single-layered hybrid film of clay/[Ru(phen)₂(dC18bpy)]²⁺ (denoted as Clay-Ru) was closely packed at a surface pressure of 25 mN·m⁻¹ and had a thickness of 3.4±0.5 nm. Cyclic voltammograms showed that the redox current of Ru(II) complex decreased when incorporated into the clay film, suggesting that the clay layer acts as a barrier against electron transfer. When applied to oxidizing the mononucleotide of guanosine 5′-monophosphate (GMP), a large catalytic oxidative current was achieved on the Clay-Ru(II) modified ITO electrode at the external potential above 900 mV (vs. Ag|AgCl|KCl) and, more significantly, this response was further enhanced by light irradiation (λ>360 nm), in which the photocurrent is increased about 11 times in comparison with that of a bare ITO. Mechanism of the photoelectrocatalytic effect was proposed in terms of the reduction of the photoelectrochemically generated Ru(III) complex in the Clay-Ru film by GMP. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 20471043 and 20843007), Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation (Grant Nos. Y404118 and Y408177), the “151” Distinguished Person Foundation of Zheji-ang Province of China, Zhejiang Technology Project Foundation (Grant No. 2007C21134) and Wenzhou Technology Project Foundation (Grant No. N2004B040)     

Synthesis and reactivity of neodymium(III) amido-tethered N-heterocyclic carbene complexes

The reaction of the heteroleptic Nd(III) iodide, [Nd(L′)(N″)(μ-I)] with the potassium salts of primary aryl amides [KN(H)Ar′] or [KN(H)Ar^*] affords heteroleptic, structurally characterised, low-coordinate neodymium amides [Nd(L′)(N″)(N(H)Ar′)] and [Nd(L′)(N″)(N(H)Ar^*)] cleanly (L′ = t-BuNCH₂CH₂[C{NC(SiMe₃)CHNt-Bu}], N″ = N(SiMe₃)₂, Ar′ = 2,6-Dipp₂C₆H₃, Dipp = 2,6-Prⁱ₂C₆H₃, Ar^* = 2,6-(2,4,6-Prⁱ₃C₆H₂)₂C₆H₃). The potassium terphenyl primary amide [KN(H)Ar^*] is readily prepared and isolated, and structurally characterised. Treatment of these primary amide-containing compounds with alkali metal alkyl salts results in ligand exchange to give alkali metal primary amides and intractable heteroleptic Nd(III) alkyl compounds of the form [Nd(L′)(N″)(R)] (R = CH₂SiMe₃, Me). Attempted deprotonation of the Nd-bound primary amide in [Nd(L′)(N″)(N(H)Ar^*)] with the less nucleophilic phosphazene superbase Bu^tNP{NP(NMe₂)₃}₃ resulted in indiscriminate deprotonations of peripheral ligand CH groups.     

C-Glucosylflavonoid biosynthesis from 2-hydroxynaringenin by Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) (Fabaceae)

[2′,3′,5′,6′-²H₄]-2-Hydroxynaringenin is synthesised and incubated with commercially available UDP-glucose and the crude protein extract from Desmoduim uncinatum leaves. The organic extract produces isotopically labelled [2′,3′,5′,6′-²H₄]-vitexin and [2′,3′,5′,6′-²H₄]-isovitexin. Repeating the experiment with denatured protein or replacing the 2-hydroxynaringenin with [2′,3′,5′,6′-²H₄]-apigenin or [2′,3′,5′,6′-²H₄]-naringenin results in no observable incorporation. 2-Hydroxynaringenin is therefore the substrate for C-glucosylflavonoid biosynthesis in D. uncinatum.     

Mirror‐Image Organometallic Osmium Arene Iminopyridine Halido Complexes Exhibit Similar Potent Anticancer Activity

Four chiral Os^II arene anticancer complexes have been isolated by fractional crystallization. The two iodido complexes, (S_Os,S_C)‐[Os(η⁶‐p‐cym)(ImpyMe)I]PF₆ (complex 2 , (S)‐ImpyMe: N‐(2‐pyridylmethylene)‐(S)‐1‐phenylethylamine) and (R_Os,R_C)‐[Os(η⁶‐p‐cym)(ImpyMe)I]PF₆ (complex 4 , (R)‐ImpyMe: N‐(2‐pyridylmethylene)‐(R)‐1‐phenylethylamine), showed higher anticancer activity (lower IC₅₀ values) towards A2780 human ovarian cancer cells than cisplatin and were more active than the two chlorido derivatives, (S_Os,S_C)‐[Os(η⁶‐p‐cym)(ImpyMe)Cl]PF₆, 1 , and (R_Os,R_C)‐[Os(η⁶‐p‐cym)(ImpyMe)Cl]PF₆, 3 . The two iodido complexes were evaluated in the National Cancer Institute 60‐cell‐line screen, by using the COMPARE algorithm. This showed that the two potent iodido complexes, 2 (NSC: D‐758116/1) and 4 (NSC: D‐758118/1), share surprisingly similar cancer cell selectivity patterns with the anti‐microtubule drug, vinblastine sulfate. However, no direct effect on tubulin polymerization was found for 2 and 4 , an observation that appears to indicate a novel mechanism of action. In addition, complexes 2 and 4 demonstrated potential as transfer‐hydrogenation catalysts for imine reduction.     

Mechanistic studies on the oxidation of pyruvic acid by an oxo-bridged diiron(III,III) complex in aqueous acidic media

In aqueous solution [Fe₂(μ-O)(phen)₄(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (1, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) equilibrates with its conjugate bases [Fe₂(μ-O)(phen)₄(H₂O)(OH)]³⁺ (2) and [Fe₂(μ-O)(phen)₄(OH)₂]²⁺ (3). In the presence of excess phen and in the pH range 2.5–5.5, the dimer quantitatively oxidizes pyruvic acid to acetic acid and carbon dioxide, the end iron species being ferroin, [Fe(phen)₃]²⁺. The observed reaction rate shows a bell-shaped curve as pH increases, but is independent of added phen. Kinetic analysis shows that (3) is non-reactive and (1) has much higher reactivity than (2) in oxidizing pyruvic acid. The basicity of the bridging oxygen increases with deprotonation of the aqua ligands. The reaction rate decreases significantly in media enriched with D₂O in comparison to that in H₂O, with a greater retardation at higher pH, suggesting the occurrence of proton coupled electron transfer (PCET; 1e, 1H⁺), which possibly drags the energetically unfavorable reaction to completion in presence of excess phen.