Synthesis of a pentadentate, polypyrazine ligand and its application in cobalt-catalyzed hydrogen production

Abstract

A molecular cobalt complex bearing a pentadentate, polypyrazine ligand, 2,6-bis(1,1-di(pyrazin-2-yl)ethyl)pyrazine (PZ5Me₂), has been developed for electrocatalytic H₂O reduction. Efficient H₂ evolution is observed in pH 7 aqueous media. PZ5Me₂ is a C_2v symmetric, redox-active framework that affords significant metal-to-ligand backbonding for a more electron-deficient metal center.