Electrochemically induced dehydrogenation of the hydride complexes [ReCIH(NCR)(Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)2][BF4]. A mechanistic study

Abstract

The electrochemical behaviour of the hydride complexes [ReClH(NCR)(dppe)₂][BF₄](R = Ph, 4-ClC₆H₄ or 4-FC₆H₄; dppe = Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂), prepared by protonation of the corresponding nitrile compounds [ReCl(NCR)(dppe)₂], has been studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and controlled-potential electrolysis in aprotic media, at a Pt electrode; they undergo anodically induced deprotonation and cathodically induced dehydrogenation, the former involving an overall bimolecular process as indicated by CV simulation techniques.