The reaction of [M(triphos)OTf](OTf) (M = Pd, Pt; triphos = (Ph2PCH2CH2)2PPh; OTf = triflate) with one equivalent of a diphenylphosphinomethylamine ligand (PPh2NPh(R), R = Ph or Me) leads to the formation of the M(II) complexes [Pd(triphos)PPh2NPh(R)](OTf)2 (1a, R = Ph; 1b, R = Me) and [Pt(triphos)PPh2NPh(R)]- (OTf)2 (2a, R = Ph; 2b, R = Me). Complexes 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b were obtained in moderate yields and characterized by elemental analysis, 1H, 13C, 31P NMR and X-ray diffraction. The redox behavior of these complexes shows a reversible reduction wave with half-wave potentials ranging from -1.04 to -1.23 V. Electrocatalytic proton reduction studies demonstrate these complexes function as hydrogen production catalysts with turn over frequencies ranging from 120 to 200 s-1. We thank Research Corporation Cottrell Science Award (7293) and Fort Lewis College for financial support of this project. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory collaborators would like to acknowledge the support of the US Department of Energy Basic Energy Sciences’ Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences Division. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated by Battelle for the US Department of Energy.
Revised: September 20, 2012 |
Published: January 15, 2012