The Reductions of Bis(terpyridyl) and Ethylenediaminetetraacetato Complexes of Cobalt(III) by Ascorbic Acid

The reductions of Co(terpy)₂³⁺ and Co(edta)^? complexes by ascorbic acid have been subjected to a detailed kinetic study in the range of pH =1–10.9. For each complex the rate law of the reaction is interpreted as a rate determining reaction between Co(III) complex and the ascorbic acid in the form of HA^? (k₁) and A^2? (k₂), depending on the pH of the solution, followed by a rapid scavenge of the ascorbic acid radicals by Co(III) complex. With given Ka₁ and Ka₂, the rate constants are k₁ = 0.25 and 9.87 × 10^?5 M^?1s^?1, k₂ = 1.28 × 10⁶ and 18.7 M^?1s^?1 for Co(terpy₎2³⁺and Co(edta)^? complexes, respectively, at T = 25 °C and μ = 0.50M (terpy)and 1.0 M (edta) HClO₄/LiClO₄. The mechanism of the reaction is discussed on the basis of Marcus theory for outer sphere electron transfer process. Spin change and charge effect, duly considered, account for the non‐adiabatic behavior in the reduction of Co(edta)^? complex.