Spectroelectrochemical Investigation of Pentacarbonyl(pyrazine)metal(0) (metal = Cr, Mo, W) Complexes of Group 6 Elements

Abstract

The electrochemical behaviour of pentacarbony l(pyrazine) metal (0) complexes of the group 6 elements was studied by cyclic voltammetry in dichloromethane-(n-Bu)(4)NBF4 solvent-electrolyte couple at -20 degreesC vs. Ag/Ag+ or SCE reference electrode. Constant potential electrolyses of the complexes were carried out at their first oxidation peak potentials and monitored in situ by UV-Vis spectrometry. Electrolysis of W(CO)(5)pz produces [W(CO)(5)pz](+) and a similar electrochemical mechanism is expected both for Cr(CO)(5)pz and Mo(CO)(5)pz complexes. In situ low temperature constant current ESR electrolysis also confirmed the production of [W(CO)(5)pz](+) after the electron transfer.