Reaction of 2-(arylazo)pyridine complexes of type [OsX2L2] (X = Cl or Br) with heterocyclic bases (B): spectra and electrochemistry of [OsX(B)L2]ClO4·H2O

Summary The synthesis and characterization of a series of complexes of the type [OsX(B)L₂] ⁺ (X = Cl or Br, B = pyridine (py) and pyrazine (pyz), L = 2-(phenylazo)pyridine (L¹) or 2-(m-tolylazo)pyridine (L²)) is described. The cations have been isolated as crystalline perchlorate monohydrates after purification by column chromatography. The diamagnetic compounds display several spin-allowed and spin-forbidden m.l.c.t. transitions in the visible region. The metal-centred oxidations and ligand-based reductions of the complexes are studied electrochemically in MeCN. Two consecutive one-electron oxidations corresponding to Os^III/Os^II and Os^IV/Os^III couples occur at ca. 1.3 and ca. 2.3 V versus s.c.e. respectively. Four successive azo-reductions are observable in the potential range -0.4 to -2.4V.