N-METHYLQUINUCLIDINIUM-MERCURY COMPOUND - ELECTRODEPOSITION AND CATALYSIS

We have explored the formation of an R(4)N-metal derived from n-methyl quinuclidinium (MQ(+)) and mercury cathode. For each MQ(+) cation, 5 H g atoms are consumed and the stoichiometric composition of electrodepo sited MQ-mercury is MQ(Hg-5). The early stages of an MQ(Hg-5) depositi on were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and potential step chronoam perometry. The first process is the deposition of an initial layer whi ch is controlled by two-dimensional nucleation and growth kinetics. De position of the bulk phase is initiated by a three-dimensional nucleat ion and growth controlled by diffusion of MQ(+) from the solution. A s ignificant difference in the catalytic properties of the initial layer and the bulk phase is identified showing that the initial layer trans fers electrons to organic substrates more efficiently and is a better catalyst.