Molecular cobalt electrocatalyst for proton reduction at low overpotential†
Abstract
Linear trimetallic CoIII/CoII/CoIII cobalt complexes with bridging acyl–alkoxy ligands are electrocatalysts for the reduction of tosic acid in acetonitrile. The –OCMe2CH2COMe complex appears to operate homogeneously, and at a modest onset overpotential of 175 mV. A turnover frequency of ca. 80 s−1 was observed at an overpotential of 300 mV.