Unraveling the roles of the acid medium, experimental probes, and terminal oxidant, (NH4)2[Ce(NO3)6], in the study of a homogeneous water oxidation catalyst

The oxidation of water catalyzed by [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(OH(2))](ClO(4))(2) (1; tpy = 2,2';6',2'-terpyridine; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) is evaluated in different acidic media at variable oxidant concentrations. The observed rate of dioxygen evolution catalyzed by 1 is found to be highly dependent on pH and the identity of the acid; e.g., d[O(2)]/dt is progressively faster in H(2)SO(4), CF(3)SO(3)H (HOTf), HClO(4), and HNO(3), respectively. This trend does not track with thermodynamic driving force of the electron-transfer reactions between the terminal oxidant, (NH(4))(2)[Ce(NO(3))(6)] (CAN), and Ru catalyst in each of the acids. The particularly high reactivity in HNO(3) is attributed to the NO(3)(-) anion: (i) enabling relatively fast electron-transfer steps; (ii) participating in a base-assisted concerted atom-proton transfer process that circumvents the formation of high energy intermediates during the O-O bond formation process; and (iii) accelerating the liberation of dioxygen from the catalyst. Consequently, the position of the rate-determining step within the catalytic cycle can be affected by the acid medium. These factors collectively contribute to the position of the rate-determining step within the catalytic cycle being affected by the acid medium. This offering also outlines how other experimental issues (e.g., spontaneous decay of the Ce(IV) species in acidic media; CAN/catalyst molar ratio; types of catalytic probes) can affect the Ce(IV)-driven oxidation of water catalyzed by homogeneous molecular complexes.     

Characterization of the Oxygen Binding Motif in a Ruthenium Water Oxidation Catalyst by Vibrational Spectroscopy

For homogeneous mononuclear ruthenium water oxidation catalysts, the Ru–O₂ complex plays a crucial role in the rate determining step of the catalytic cycle, but the exact nature of this complex is unclear. Herein, the infrared spectra of the [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(O₂)]²⁺ complex (tpy=2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) are presented. The complex [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(O₂)]²⁺, formed by gas‐phase reaction of [Ru(tpy)(bpy)]²⁺ with molecular O₂, was isolated by using mass spectrometry and was directly probed by cryogenic ion IR predissociation spectroscopy. Well‐resolved spectral features enable a clear identification of the O?O stretch using ¹⁸O₂ substitution. The band frequency and intensity indicate that the O₂ moiety binds to the Ru center in a side‐on, bidentate manner. Comparisons with DFT calculations highlight the shortcomings of the B3LYP functional in properly depicting the Ru–O₂ interaction.     

Rapid catalytic water oxidation by a single site, Ru carbene catalyst

Compared to earlier single site catalysts, greatly enhanced rates of electrocatalytic water oxidation by the Ru carbene catalyst [Ru(tpy)(Mebim-py)(OH(2))](2+) (tpy = 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine; Mebim-py = 3-methyl-1-pyridylbenzimidazol-2-ylidene) have been observed. The mechanism appears to be the same with proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) activation to Ru(V)=O(3+) followed by O-O coupling and further oxidation. An important factor in the enhanced reactivity of the carbene complex may come from increased driving force for the O-O bond forming step.     

Strong Ligand Stabilization Based on π-Extension in a Series of Ruthenium Terpyridine Water Oxidation Catalysts

The substitution behavior of the monodentate Cl ligand of a series of ruthenium(II) terpyridine complexes (terpyridine (tpy)=2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine) has been investigated. ¹H NMR kinetic experiments of the dissociation of the chloro ligand in D₂O for the complexes [Ru(tpy)(bpy)Cl]Cl ( 1 , bpy=2,2’-bipyridine) and [Ru(tpy)(dppz)Cl]Cl ( 2 , dppz=dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine) as well as the binuclear complex [Ru(bpy)₂(tpphz)Ru(tpy)Cl]Cl₃ ( 3 b , tpphz=tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c:3′′,2′′-h:2′′′,3′′′-j]phenazine) were conducted, showing increased stability of the chloride ligand for compounds 2 and 3 due to the extended π-system. Compounds 1 – 5 ( 4 =[Ru(tbbpy)₂(tpphz)Ru(tpy)Cl](PF₆)₃, 5 =[Ru(bpy)₂(tpphz)Ru(tpy)(C₃H₈OS)/(H₂O)](PF₆)₃, tbbpy=4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine) are tested for their ability to run water oxidation catalysis (WOC) using cerium(IV) as sacrificial oxidant. The WOC experiments suggest that the stability of monodentate (chloride) ligand strongly correlates to catalytic performance, which follows the trend 1 > 2 > 5 ≥ 3 > 4 . This is also substantiated by quantum chemical calculations, which indicate a stronger binding for the chloride ligand based on the extended π-systems in compounds 2 and 3 . Additionally, a theoretical model of the mechanism of the oxygen evolution of compounds 1 and 2 is presented; this suggests no differences in the elementary steps of the catalytic cycle within the bpy to the dppz complex, thus suggesting that differences in the catalytic performance are indeed based on ligand stability. Due to the presence of a photosensitizer and a catalytic unit, binuclear complexes 3 and 4 were tested for photocatalytic water oxidation. The bridging ligand architecture, however, inhibits the effective electron-transfer cascade that would allow photocatalysis to run efficiently. The findings of this study can elucidate critical factors in catalyst design.     

Electronic modification of the [Ru(II)(tpy)(bpy)(OH(2))](2+) scaffold: effects on catalytic water oxidation

The mechanistic details of the Ce(IV)-driven oxidation of water mediated by a series of structurally related catalysts formulated as [Ru(tpy)(L)(OH(2))](2+) [L = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), 1; 4,4'-dimethoxy-2,2'-bipyridine (bpy-OMe), 2; 4,4'-dicarboxy-2,2'-bipyridine (bpy-CO(2)H), 3; tpy = 2,2';6',2'-terpyridine] is reported. Cyclic voltammetry shows that each of these complexes undergo three successive (proton-coupled) electron-transfer reactions to generate the [Ru(V)(tpy)(L)O](3+) ([Ru(V)=O](3+)) motif; the relative positions of each of these redox couples reflects the nature of the electron-donating or withdrawing character of the substituents on the bpy ligands. The first two (proton-coupled) electron-transfer reaction steps (k(1) and k(2)) were determined by stopped-flow spectroscopic techniques to be faster for 3 than 1 and 2. The addition of one (or more) equivalents of the terminal electron-acceptor, (NH(4))(2)[Ce(NO(3))(6)] (CAN), to the [Ru(IV)(tpy)(L)O](2+) ([Ru(IV)=O](2+)) forms of each of the catalysts, however, leads to divergent reaction pathways. The addition of 1 eq of CAN to the [Ru(IV)=O](2+) form of 2 generates [Ru(V)=O](3+) (k(3) = 3.7 M(-1) s(-1)), which, in turn, undergoes slow O-O bond formation with the substrate (k(O-O) = 3 × 10(-5) s(-1)). The minimal (or negligible) thermodynamic driving force for the reaction between the [Ru(IV)=O](2+) form of 1 or 3 and 1 eq of CAN results in slow reactivity, but the rate-determining step is assigned as the liberation of dioxygen from the [Ru(IV)-OO](2+) level under catalytic conditions for each complex. Complex 2, however, passes through the [Ru(V)-OO](3+) level prior to the rapid loss of dioxygen. Evidence for a competing reaction pathway is provided for 3, where the [Ru(V)=O](3+) and [Ru(III)-OH](2+) redox levels can be generated by disproportionation of the [Ru(IV)=O](2+) form of the catalyst (k(d) = 1.2 M(-1) s(-1)). An auxiliary reaction pathway involving the abstraction of an O-atom from CAN is also implicated during catalysis. The variability of reactivity for 1-3, including the position of the RDS and potential for O-atom transfer from the terminal oxidant, is confirmed to be intimately sensitive to electron density at the metal site through extensive kinetic and isotopic labeling experiments. This study outlines the need to strike a balance between the reactivity of the [Ru═O](z) unit and the accessibility of higher redox levels in pursuit of robust and reactive water oxidation catalysts.     

Charge delocalization of 1,4-benzenedicyclometalated ruthenium: a comparison between tris-bidentate and bis-tridentate complexes

A dimetallic biscyclometalated ruthenium complex, [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpb)Ru(bpy)(2)](2+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; dpb = 1,4-di-2-pyridylbenzene), with a tris-bidentate coordination mode has been prepared. The electronic properties of this complex were studied by electrochemical and spectroscopic analysis and DFT/TDDFT calculations on both rac and meso isomers. Complex [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpb)Ru(bpy)(2)](2+) has a similar 1,4-benzenedicyclometalated ruthenium (Ru-phenyl-Ru) structural component with a previously reported bis-tridentate complex, [(tpy)Ru(tpb)Ru(tpy)](2+) (tpy = 2,2';6',2″-terpyridine; tpb = 1,2,4,5-tetra-2-pyridylbenzene). The charge delocalizations of these complexes across the Ru-phenyl-Ru array were investigated and compared by studying the corresponding one-electron-oxidized species, generated by chemical oxidation or electrochemical electrolysis, with DFT/TDDFT calculations and spectroscopic and EPR analysis. These studies indicate that both [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpb)Ru(bpy)(2)](3+) and [(tpy)Ru(tpb)Ru(tpy)](3+) are fully delocalized systems. However, the coordination mode of the metal component plays an important role in influencing their electronic properties.     

Mechanism of oxidation of benzaldehyde by polypyridyl oxo complexes of Ru(IV)

The oxidation of benzaldehyde and several of its derivatives to their carboxylic acids by cis-[Ru(IV)(bpy)2(py)(O)]2+ (Ru(IV)=O2+; bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine, py is pyridine), cis-[Ru(III)(bpy)2(py)(OH)]2+ (Ru(III)-OH2+), and [Ru(IV)(tpy)(bpy)(O)]2+ (tpy is 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) in acetonitrile and water has been investigated using a variety of techniques. Several lines of evidence support a one-electron hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) mechanism for the redox step in the oxidation of benzaldehyde. They include (i) moderate k(C-H)/k(C-D) kinetic isotope effects of 8.1 +/- 0.3 in CH3CN, 9.4 +/- 0.4 in H2O, and 7.2 +/- 0.8 in D2O; (ii) a low k(H2O/D2O) kinetic isotope effect of 1.2 +/- 0.1; (iii) a decrease in rate constant by a factor of only approximately 5 in CH3CN and approximately 8 in H2O for the oxidation of benzaldehyde by cis-[Ru(III)(bpy)2(py)(OH)]2+ compared to cis-[Ru(IV)(bpy)2(py)(O)]2+; (iv) the appearance of cis-[Ru(III)(bpy)2(py)(OH)]2+ rather than cis-[Ru(II)(bpy)2(py)(OH2)]2+ as the initial product; and (v) the small rho value of -0.65 +/- 0.03 in a Hammett plot of log k vs sigma in the oxidation of a series of aldehydes. A mechanism is proposed for the process occurring in the absence of O2 involving (i) preassociation of the reactants, (ii) H-atom transfer to Ru(IV)=O2+ to give Ru(III)-OH2+ and PhCO, (iii) capture of PhCO by Ru(III)-OH2+ to give Ru(II)-OC(O)Ph+ and H+, and (iv) solvolysis to give cis-[Ru(II)(bpy)2(py)(NCCH3)]2+ or the aqua complex and the carboxylic acid as products.     

The remarkable reactivity of high oxidation state ruthenium and osmium polypyridyl complexes

There is a remarkable redox chemistry of higher oxidation state M(IV)-M(VI) polypyridyl complexes of Ru and Os. They are accessible by proton loss and formation of oxo or nitrido ligands, examples being cis-[RuIV(bpy)2(py)(O)]2+ (RuIV=O2+, bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, and py=pyridine) and trans-[OsVI(tpy)(Cl)2(N)]+ (tpy=2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine). Metal-oxo or metal-nitrido multiple bonding stabilizes the higher oxidation states and greatly influences reactivity. O-atom transfer, hydride transfer, epoxidation, C-H insertion, and proton-coupled electron-transfer mechanisms have been identified in the oxidation of organics by RuIV=O2+. The Ru-O multiple bond inhibits electron transfer and promotes complex mechanisms. Both O atoms can be used for O-atom transfer by trans-[RuVI(tpy)(O)2(S)]2+ (S=CH3CN or H2O). Four-electron, four-proton oxidation of cis,cis-[(bpy)2(H2O)RuIII-O-RuIII(H2O)(bpy)2]4+ occurs to give cis,cis-[(bpy)2(O)RuV-O-RuV(O)(bpy)2]4+ which rapidly evolves O2. Oxidation of NH3 in trans-[OsII(tpy)(Cl)2(NH3)] gives trans-[OsVI(tpy)(Cl)2(N)]+ through a series of one-electron intermediates. It and related nitrido complexes undergo formal N- transfer analogous to O-atom transfer by RuIV=O2+. With secondary amines, the products are the hydrazido complexes, cis- and trans-[OsV(L3)(Cl)2(NNR2)]+ (L3=tpy or tpm and NR2-=morpholide, piperidide, or diethylamide). Reactions with aryl thiols and secondary phosphines give the analogous adducts cis- and trans-[OsIV(tpy)(Cl)2(NS(H)(C6H4Me))]+ and fac-[OsIV(Tp)(Cl)2(NP(H)(Et2))]. In dry CH3CN, all have an extensive multiple oxidation state chemistry based on couples from Os(VI/V) to Os(III/II). In acidic solution, the OsIV adducts are protonated, e.g., trans-[OsIV(tpy)(Cl)2(N(H)N(CH2)4O)]+, and undergo proton-coupled electron transfer to quinone to give OsV, e.g., trans-[OsV(tpy)(Cl)2(NN(CH2)4O)]+ and hydroquinone. These reactions occur with giant H/D kinetic isotope effects of up to 421 based on O-H, N-H, S-H, or P-H bonds. Reaction with azide ion has provided the first example of the terminal N4(2-) ligand in mer-[OsIV(bpy)(Cl)3(NalphaNbetaNgammaNdelta)]-. With CN-, the adduct mer-[OsIV(bpy)(Cl)3(NCN)]- has an extensive, reversible redox chemistry and undergoes NCN(2-) transfer to PPh3 and olefins. Coordination to Os also promotes ligand-based reactivity. The sulfoximido complex trans-[OsIV(tpy)(Cl)2(NS(O)-p-C6H4Me)] undergoes loss of O2 with added acid and O-atom transfer to trans-stilbene and PPh3. There is a reversible two-electron/two-proton, ligand-based acetonitrilo/imino couple in cis-[OsIV(tpy)(NCCH3)(Cl)(p-NSC6H4Me)]+. It undergoes reversible reactions with aldehydes and ketones to give the corresponding alcohols.     

Catalytic four-electron oxidation of water by intramolecular coupling of the oxo ligands of a bis(ruthenium-bipyridine) complex

A bis(ruthenium-bipyridine) complex bridged by 1,8-bis(2,2':6',2'-terpyrid-4'-yl)anthracene (btpyan), [Ru(2)(μ-Cl)(bpy)(2)(btpyan)](BF(4))(3) ([1](BF(4))(3); bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine), was prepared. The cyclic voltammogram of [1](BF(4))(3) in water at pH?1.0 displayed two reversible [Ru(II),Ru(II)](3+)/[Ru(II),Ru(III)](4+) and [Ru(II),Ru(III)](4+)/[Ru(III),Ru(III)](5+) redox couples at E(1/2)(1) = +0.61 and E(1/2)(2) = +0.80?V (vs. Ag/AgCl), respectively, and an irreversible anodic peak at around E = +1.2?V followed by a strong anodic currents as a result of the oxidation of water. The controlled potential electrolysis of [1](3+) ions at E = +1.60?V in water at pH?2.6 (buffered with H(3)PO(4)/NaH(2)PO(4)) catalytically evolved dioxygen. Immediately after the electrolysis of the [1](3+) ion in H(2)(16)O at E = +1.40?V, the resultant solution displayed two resonance Raman bands at nu = 442 and 824?cm(-1). These bands shifted to nu = 426 and 780?cm(-1), respectively, when the same electrolysis was conducted in H(2)(18)O. The chemical oxidation of the [1](3+) ion by using a Ce(IV) species in H(2)(16)O and H(2)(18)O also exhibited the same resonance Raman spectra. The observed isotope frequency shifts (Δnu = 16 and 44?cm(-1)) fully fit the calculated ones based on the Ru-O and O-O stretching modes, respectively. The first successful identification of the metal-O-O-metal stretching band in the oxidation of water indicates that the oxygen-oxygen bond at the stage prior to the evolution of O(2) is formed through the intramolecular coupling of two Ru-oxo groups derived from the [1](3+) ion.     

Water oxidation catalysis: influence of anionic ligands upon the redox properties and catalytic performance of mononuclear ruthenium complexes

Aiming at highly efficient molecular catalysts for water oxidation, a mononuclear ruthenium complex Ru(II)(hqc)(pic)(3) (1; H(2)hqc = 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxylic acid and pic = 4-picoline) containing negatively charged carboxylate and phenolate donor groups has been designed and synthesized. As a comparison, two reference complexes, Ru(II)(pdc)(pic)(3) (2; H(2)pdc = 2,6-pyridine-dicarboxylic acid) and Ru(II)(tpy)(pic)(3) (3; tpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine), have also been prepared. All three complexes are fully characterized by NMR, mass spectrometry (MS), and X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 showed a high efficiency toward catalytic water oxidation either driven by chemical oxidant (Ce(IV) in a pH 1 solution) with a initial turnover number of 0.32 s(-1), which is several orders of magnitude higher than that of related mononuclear ruthenium catalysts reported in the literature, or driven by visible light in a three-component system with [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) types of photosensitizers. Electrospray ionization MS results revealed that at the Ru(III) state complex 1 undergoes ligand exchange of 4-picoline with water, forming the authentic water oxidation catalyst in situ. Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to explain how anionic ligands (hqc and pdc) facilitate the 4-picoline dissociation compared with a neutral ligand (tpy). Electrochemical measurements show that complex 1 has a much lower E(Ru(III)/Ru(II)) than that of reference complex 2 because of the introduction of a phenolate ligand. DFT was further used to study the influence of anionic ligands upon the redox properties of mononuclear aquaruthenium species, which are postulated to be involved in the catalysis cycle of water oxidation.     

Oxygen Evolution Catalyzed by a Mononuclear Ruthenium Complex Bearing Pendant SO3− Groups

Rational molecular design of catalytic systems capable of smooth O? O bond formation is critical to the development of efficient catalysts for water oxidation. A new ruthenium complex was developed, which bears pendant SO₃^? groups in the secondary coordination sphere: [Ru(terpy)(bpyms)(OH₂)] (terpy=2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine, bpyms=2,2′‐bipyridine‐5,5′‐bis(methanesulfonate)). Water oxidation driven by a Ce⁴⁺ oxidant is distinctly accelerated upon introduction of the pendant SO₃^? groups in comparisons to the parent catalyst, [Ru(terpy)(bpy)(OH₂)]²⁺ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine). Spectroscopic, electrochemical, and crystallographic investigations concluded that the pendant SO₃^? groups promote the formation of an O? O bond via the secondary coordination sphere on the catalyst, whereas the influence of the pendant SO₃^? groups on the electronic structure of the [Ru(terpy)(bpy)(OH₂)]²⁺ core is negligible. The results of this work indicate that modification of the secondary coordination sphere is a valuable strategy for the design of water oxidation catalysts.     

Surface control of oxidation by an adsorbed Ru(IV)-oxo complex.

When adsorbed to optically transparent, thin films of TiO(2) nanoparticles on glass, the aqua complex [Ru(II)(tpy)(bpy(PO(3)H(2))(2))(OH(2))](2+) (bpy(PO(3)H(2))(2) is 2,2'-bipyridyl-4,4'-diphosphonic acid; tpy is 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine) is oxidized by Ce(IV)(NH(4))(2)(NO(3))(6) in 0.1 M HClO(4) to its Ru(IV)=O(2+) form as shown by UV-visible measurements and analysis of oxidative equivalents by oxidation of hydroquinone to quinone. Kinetic studies on the oxidations of cyclohexene, benzyl alcohol, phenol, and trans-stilbene by surface-bound Ru(IV)=O(2+) by UV-visible monitoring reveal direct evidence for initial 2-electron steps to give Ru(II) intermediates in all four cases. These steps are masked in solution where Ru(IV) --> Ru(II) reduction is followed by rapid reactions between Ru(II) intermediates and Ru(IV)=O(2+) to give Ru(III). Reactions between Ru(II) and Ru(IV)=O(2+) on the surface are inhibited by binding to the surface, which restricts translational mobility. Rate constants on the surface and in solution are comparable, pointing to comparable reactivities. The surface experiments give unprecedented insight into oxidation mechanism with important implications for achieving product selectivity in synthesis by limiting oxidation to two electrons.     

Theoretical investigation of large kinetic isotope effects for proton-coupled electron transfer in ruthenium polypyridyl complexes

A theoretical investigation of proton-coupled electron transfer in ruthenium polypyridyl complexes is presented. The three reactions studied are as follows: (1) the comproportionation reaction of [(bpy)(2)(py)Ru(IV)O](2+) and [(bpy)(2)(py)Ru(II)OH(2)](2+) to produce [(bpy)(2)(py)Ru(III)OH](2+); (2) the comproportionation reaction of [(tpy)(bpy)Ru(IV)O](2+) and [(tpy)(bpy)Ru(II)OH(2)](2+) to produce [(tpy)(bpy)Ru(III)OH](2+); and (3) the cross reaction of [(tpy)(bpy)Ru(III)OH](2+) and [(bpy)(2)(py)Ru(II)OH(2)](2+) to produce [(tpy)(bpy)Ru(II)OH(2)](2+) and [(bpy)(2)(py)Ru(III)OH](2+). This investigation is motivated by experimental measurements of rates and kinetic isotope effects for these systems (Binstead, R. A.; Meyer, T. J. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1987, 109, 3287. Farrer, B. T.; Thorp, H. H. Inorg. Chem. 1999, 38, 2497.). These experiments indicate that the second reaction is nearly one order of magnitude faster than the first reaction, and the third reaction is in the intermediate regime. The experimentally measured kinetic isotope effects for these three reactions are 16.1, 11.4, and 5.8, respectively. The theoretical calculations elucidate the physical basis for the experimentally observed trends in rates and kinetic isotope effects, as well as for the unusually high magnitude of the kinetic isotope effects. In this empirical model, the proton donor-acceptor distance is predicted to be largest for the first reaction and smallest for the third reaction. This prediction is consistent with the degree of steric crowding near the oxygen proton acceptor for the three reactions. The second reaction is faster than the first reaction since a smaller proton donor-acceptor distance leads to a larger overlap between the reactant and product proton vibrational wave functions. The intermediate rate of the third reaction is determined by a balance among several competing factors. The observed trend in the kinetic isotope effects arises from the higher ratio of the hydrogen to deuterium vibrational wave function overlap for larger proton donor-acceptor distances. Thus, the kinetic isotope effect increases for larger proton donor-acceptor distances. The unusually high magnitude of the kinetic isotope effects is due in part to the close proximity of the proton transfer interface to the electron donor and acceptor. This proximity results in strong electrostatic interactions that lead to a relatively small overlap between the reactant and product vibrational wave functions.     

A molecular light-driven water oxidation catalyst

Two mononuclear Ru(II) complexes, [Ru(ttbt)(pynap)(I)]I and [Ru(tpy)(Mepy)(2)(I)]I (tpy = 2,2';6,2"-terpyridine; ttbt = 4,4',4"-tri-tert-butyltpy; pynap = 2-(pyrid-2'-yl)-1,8-naphthyridine; and Mepy = 4-methylpyridine), are effective catalysts for the oxidation of water. This oxidation can be driven by a blue (λ(max) = 472 nm) LED light source using [Ru(bpy)(3)]Cl(2) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) as the photosensitizer. Sodium persulfate acts as a sacrificial electron acceptor to oxidize the photosensitizer that in turn drives the catalysis. The presence of all four components, light, photosensitizer, sodium persulfate, and catalyst, are required for water oxidation. A dyad assembly has been prepared using a pyrazine-based linker to join a photosensitizer and catalyst moiety. Irradiation of this intramolecular system with blue light produces oxygen with a higher turnover number than the analogous intermolecular component system under the same conditions.     

Structure and electronic configurations of the intermediates of water oxidation in blue ruthenium dimer catalysis

Catalytic O(2) evolution with cis,cis-[(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)Ru(III)ORu(III)(OH(2))(bpy)(2)](4+) (bpy is 2,2-bipyridine), the so-called blue dimer, the first designed water oxidation catalyst, was monitored by UV-vis, EPR, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) with ms time resolution. Two processes were identified, one of which occurs on a time scale of 100 ms to a few seconds and results in oxidation of the catalyst with the formation of an intermediate, here termed [3,4]'. A slower process occurring on the time scale of minutes results in the decay of this intermediate and O(2) evolution. Spectroscopic data suggest that within the fast process there is a short-lived transient intermediate, which is a precursor of [3,4]'. When excess oxidant was used, a highly oxidized form of the blue dimer [4,5] was spectroscopically resolved within the time frame of the fast process. Its structure and electronic state were confirmed by EPR and XAS. As reported earlier, the [3,4]' intermediate likely results from reaction of [4,5] with water. While it is generated under strongly oxidizing conditions, it does not display oxidation of the Ru centers past [3,4] according to EPR and XAS. EXAFS analysis demonstrates a considerably modified ligand environment in [3,4]'. Raman measurements confirmed the presence of the O-O fragment by detecting a new vibration band in [3,4]' that undergoes a 46 cm(-1) shift to lower energy upon (16)O/(18)O exchange. Under the conditions of the experiment at pH 1, the [3,4]' intermediate is the catalytic steady state form of the blue dimer catalyst, suggesting that its oxidation is the rate-limiting step.     

Highly active and tunable catalysts for O2 evolution from water based on mononuclear ruthenium(II) monoaquo complexes

The catalytic activity of [Ru(tpy)(bpy)OH(2)](2+) (tpy = 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine and bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) increased by a 4'-substituted ethoxy group on the tpy ligand by more than one order of magnitude to give 1.1 × 10(-1) s(-1) of catalyst turnover frequency, which is comparable with the hitherto-reported champion data.     

Oxidation of ammonia in osmium polypyridyl complexes

The oxidations of cis- and trans-[OsIII(tpy)(Cl)2(NH3)](PF6), cis-[OsII(bpy)2(Cl)(NH3)](PF6), and [OsII(typ)(bpy)(NH3)](PF6)2 have been studied by cyclic voltammetry and by controlled-potential electrolysis. In acetonitrile or in acidic, aqueous solution, oxidation is metal-based and reversible, but as the pH is increased, oxidation and proton loss from coordinated ammonia occurs. cis- and trans-[OsIII(tpy)(Cl)2(NH3)](PF6) are oxidized by four electrons to give the corresponding OsVI nitrido complexes, [OSVI(typ)(Cl)2(N)]+. Oxidation of [Os(typ)(bpy)(NH3)](PF6)2 occurs by six electrons to give [Os(tpy)(bpy)(NO)](PF6)3. Oxidation of cis-[OsII(bpy)2(Cl)(NH3)](PF6) at pH 9.0 gives cis-[OsII(bpy)2(Cl)(NO)](PF6)2 and the mixed-valence form of the mu-N2 dimer [cis-[Os(bpy)2(Cl)2[mu-N2)](PF6)3. With NH4+ added to the electrolyte, cis-[OsII(bpy)2(Cl)(N2)](PF6) is a coproduct. The results of pH-dependent cyclic voltammetry measurements suggest OsIV as a common intermediate in the oxidation of coordinated ammonia. For cis- and trans-[OsIII(tpy)(Cl)2(NH3)]+, OsIV is a discernible intermediate. It undergoes further pH-dependent oxidation to [OsVI(tpy)(Cl)2(N)]+. For [OsII(tpy)(bpy)(NH3)]2+, oxidation to OsIV is followed by hydration at the nitrogen atom and further oxidation to nitrosyl. For cis-[OsII(bpy)2(Cl)-(NH3)]+, oxidation to OsIV is followed by N-N coupling and further oxidation to [cis-[Os(bpy)2(Cl)2(mu-N2)]3+. At pH 9, N-N coupling is competitive with capture of OsIV by OH- and further oxidation, yielding cis-[OsII(bpy)2(Cl)(NO)]2+.     

Picosecond isomerization in photochromic ruthenium-dimethyl sulfoxide complexes

The complexes [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(dmso)](OSO(2)CF(3))(2) and trans-[Ru(tpy)(pic)(dmso)](PF(6)) (tpy is 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine, bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine, pic is 2-pyridinecarboxylate, and dmso is dimethyl sulfoxide) were investigated by picosecond transient absorption spectroscopy in order to monitor excited-state intramolecular S-->O isomerization of the bound dmso ligand. For [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(dmso)](2+), global analysis of the spectra reveals changes that are fit by a biexponential decay with time constants of 2.4 +/- 0.2 and 36 +/- 0.2 ps. The first time constant is assigned to relaxation of the S-bonded (3)MLCT excited state. The second time constant represents both excited-state relaxation to ground state and excited-state isomerization to form O-[Ru(tpy)(bpy)(dmso)](2+). In conjunction with the S-->O isomerization quantum yield (Phi(S)(-->)(O) = 0.024), isomerization of [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(dmso)](2+) occurs with a time constant of 1.5 ns. For trans-[Ru(tpy)(pic)(dmso)](+), global analysis of the transient spectra reveals time constants of 3.6 +/- 0.2 and 118 +/- 2 ps associated with these two processes. In conjunction with the S-->O isomerization quantum yield (Phi(S)(-->)(O) = 0.25), isomerization of trans-[Ru(tpy)(pic)(dmso)](+) occurs with a time constant of 480 ps. In both cases, the thermally relaxed excited states are assigned as terpyridine-localized (3)MLCT states. Electronic state diagrams are compiled employing these data as well as electrochemical, absorption, and emission data to describe the reactivity of these complexes. The data illustrate that rapid bond-breaking and bond-making reactions can occur from (3)MLCT excited states formed from visible light irradiation.     

基于Ru-bda双核钌催化剂的可见光驱动水氧化

开发高效水氧化催化剂对于太阳能分解水制氢和 CO2还原都具有重要意义. 我们之前的研究表明, 基于 Ru-bda(bda= 2,2'-联吡啶-6,6'-二羧酸) 单体的双核钌催化剂在以 (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6为氧化剂的化学法水氧化反应中表现出良好的催化性能, 比相同条件下单核钌催化剂的活性高出一个数量级. 然而, 该类双核钌催化剂的光催化水氧化性能尚未被系统研究.因此我们考察了以丙烷桥双核钌配合物为催化剂、[Ru(bpy)3]Cl2为光敏剂、Na2S2O8为电子牺牲体组成的三组分体系的光催化性能, 并和相应的单核钌催化剂进行了对比, 同时考察了溶液中乙腈的含量对单、双核钌分子催化剂光催化产氧性能和产氧机理的影响.实验结果表明, 无论是单核还是双核钌催化剂, 其催化活性与乙腈在磷酸缓冲溶液中的比例密切相关. 乙腈的含量不仅影响了水氧化的驱动力, 而且影响 O-O 的形成机理, 改变反应的动力学和反应速率. 单、双核钌催化剂的活性都随着乙腈比例的增加而增加, 然而双核钌催化剂在低乙腈含量的缓冲溶液中展现优于单核钌催化剂的光催化性能; 而在高乙腈含量的缓冲溶液中, 双核钌催化剂和单核钌催化剂的光催化性能趋于相当. 在最优化条件 (60% 乙腈) 下, 双核钌的光催化产氧 TON 值达到 638, 在 450 nm 的光量子效率达到 77%. 我们还发现, 当乙腈浓度较低时, 单核钌催化剂 Ru-bda 催化的水氧化反应为二级动力学; 当乙腈浓度较高时, 该催化剂在反应中表现为一级动力学. 从而推测 O-O 键的形成机制由双分子自由基耦合转变成单分子亲核进攻, 也解释了为什么高乙腈含量下单核和双核钌催化剂的活性差别不大. 本研究所展示的 Ru-bda 的溶剂效应可能同样适用于电化学和光电化学水氧化, 对深入理解和设计高效太阳能分解水器件具有重要意义.