Voltammetric behaviour of transition metal complexes with extended π systems schiff base ligands

The cathodic and anodic behaviour of the complex formed by Cu(II) and the extended π-system ligand N,N′-ethylenebis(monothioacetylacetonimine), [Cu{(sacac)2en}], was investigated in acetonitrile solvent at platinum and mercury electrodes by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and controlled potential coulometry. The first reduction process gives rise to the corresponding Cu(I) complex, stable in the electrolysis solution; the one at more negative potentials leads to unstable species. The oxidation products are a cationic compound with z=2, from which the starting ligand can be regenerated electrolytically, and free Cu(I) or Cu(II) ions, depending on the working potential.