Reactions of cyclopalladated azobenzenes with xanthates and dithiocarbamates. Spectral characterisation and electrochemical studies of the products

Binuclear chloro-bridged cyclopalladated azobenzenes Pd(A)Cl]₂ (A = ortho-metallated azobenzene or its derivatives) have been reacted with aqueous AgNO₃ to yield aquo-derivatives followed by the addition of xanthates, or dithiocarbamates (RCS₂ ^–) to synthesise ternary complexes, Pd(A)(RCS₂)]. These complexes occur as configurational isomers and their compositions have been established by ¹H-n.m.r. spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetric studies show azo reduction at negative and thiol oxidation at positive potentials relative to s.c.e., respectively. Dissociation of RCS₂ ^– under the electrode field is chemically supported by using a sulfide extractor, HgCl₂, Hg(OAc)₂, or AgOAc, to precipitate out the binuclear Pd(A)Cl]₂/Pd(A)(OAc)]₂ complexes.