Conformational effects in stereoselective electron transfer between metal ion complexes

Abstract

The oxidation of cobalt(II) in racemic trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (chxn) solution by [Δ-Co(edta)]^–(edta^4–= 1,2-diaminoethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetra-acetate) is a stereoselective reaction resulting in the formation of three conformational isomers of [Co(chxn)₃]³⁺ in the ratios: (lel)₃ 36%, (lel)₂(ob) 37%, (lel)(ob)₂ 27%[where (lel) and (ob) refer to the conformation of the five-membered chelate ring, parallel or oblique to the C₃ axis] for which stereoselectivities are 25%Δ, 5%Δ, and 11%Λ respectively.