Neocuproine-extended porphyrin coordination complexes. 2. Spectroscopic properties of the metalloporphyrin derivatives and investigations into the HOMO ordering

The synthesis of a porphyrin compound, 1, containing a 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline moiety that is fused at the beta-pyrrole positions is reported. The absorption spectra of the free-base, copper(II), and zinc(II) derivatives have been studied. On the basis of absorption band intensities, the HOMO of the free base (H21) and its copper and zinc complexes (Cu1 and Zn1) was determined to be of a1u symmetry. Relative to H21, compounds Cul and Znl show enhanced spectral changes upon external metal ion binding. Although the HOMO is the same in all three compounds, the energy gap between the two highest occupied orbitals is greater for Cu1 and Zn1 than it is for the free-base compound. Several metal ions (Ni2+, Cu+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Li+) were examined in their binding to the phenanthrolinic group by measuring the resulting changes in the absorption spectra. It is shown that the observed changes in the absorption spectra are insensitive to the nature of the metal ion coordinated by the phenanthroline moiety. Significant differences in the absorption and emission spectra between Zn1 and [Zn(Zn1)2]2+ clearly demonstrate that the porphyrin pi-system is strongly affected by the binding of metal ions at the fused phenanthrolinic moiety.     

A Photoluminescent Copper(I) Complex with an Exceptionally High CuII/CuI Redox Potential: [Cu(bfp)2]+ (bfp=2,9-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1,10-phenanthroline)

Unprecedented stabilization of the copper(I ) oxidation state is demonstrated for the complex cation [Cu(bfp)₂]⁺ ( 1 ) due to the steric and electronic effects of the CF₃ groups (E_1/2(Cu^II/Cu^I)=+1.55 V vs. SCE). The redox existence range of the copper(I ) species is remarkably high at 2.77 V. It is emissive in solution at room temperature and shows great potential as a photocatalyst; in the excited state it is a very potent photooxidant.     

Stability and activity of carbon nanofiber-supported catalysts in the aqueous phase reforming of ethylene glycol

Nickel, cobalt, copper and platinum nanoparticles supported on carbon nano-fibers were evaluated with respect to their stability, catalytic activity and selectivity in the aqueous phase reforming of ethylene glycol (230 C, autogenous pressure, batch reactor). The initial surface-specific activities for ethylene glycol reforming were in a similar range but decreased in the order of Pt (15.5 h1 ) >Co(13.0 h1 ) >Ni(5.2 h1 ) while the Cu catalyst only showed low dehydrogenation activity. The hydrogen molar selectivity decreased in the order of Pt (53%)>Co(21%)>Ni (15%) as a result of the production of methane over the latter two catalysts. Over the Co catalyst acids were formed in the liquid phase while alcohols were formed over Ni and Pt. Due to the low pH of the reaction mixture, especially in the case of Co (as a result of the formed acids), significant cobalt leaching occurs which resulted in a rapid deactivation of this catalyst. Investigations of the spent catalysts with various techniques showed that metal particle growth is responsible for the deactivation of the Pt and Ni catalysts. In addition, coking might also contribute to the deactivation of the Ni catalyst.