Solvent and electrolyte effects on Ni(PR2NR′2)2-catalyzed electrochemical oxidation of hydrogen

Abstract

We report solvent and electrolyte effects on the electrocatalytic oxidation of H₂ using Ni(P^Cy₂N^R′₂)₂ (R = Bn, ^tBu) complexes. A turnover frequency of 46 s⁻¹ for Ni(P^Cy₂N^Bn₂)₂ was obtained using 0.2 M [ⁿBu₄N][BF₄] in THF. A turnover frequency of 51 s⁻¹ was observed for Ni(P^Cy₂N^tBu₂)₂ using 0.2 M [ⁿBu₄N][B(C₆F₅)₄] in fluorobenzene. These observations, in conjunction with previous studies, indicate nitrile binding inhibits catalysis supported by Ni(P^Cy₂N^Bn₂)₂.