Analysis of a quasi-reversible two-electron cyclic voltammetric wave for an organometallic ir(III)/ir(I) couple at platinum and mercury electrodes

^*CpIr(η-C₆Me₆)^2+/0 (^*Cpη⁵-C₅Me₅) displays Nernstian two-electron voltammetry at a Hg electrode, but quasi-reversible charge transfer kinetics at solid electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) peak shapes and separations change drastically from one solvent to another at Pt, ΔE_p values being as small as 170 mV in acetone and as large as 350 mV in CH₃CN (v = 0.03 V/s). These variations arise from changes in the relative E° values of the one-electron Ir(III)/Ir(II) and Ir(II)/Ir(I) couples, and from changes in charge-transfer rates. It is concluded that the Ir(II)/Ir(I) couple has a significantly lower charge-transfer rate than the Ir(III)/Ir(II) couple at platinum electrodes. The sensitivity of the CV curves to the relative E° values allows the approximate determination of the individual E° values for each one-electron process. In contrast, Nernstian conditions allow only the average of the two one-electron E° potentials to be determined. Solvents with higher solvating power are shown to facilitate the thermodynamics of the two-electron transfer process by moving E°₂ positive with respect to E°₁. Possible reasons for the abnormally slow charge transfer rates at Pt electrodes are discussed.