Spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of [Mn(phen)(CO)(3)(imidazole)](SO3CF3) complexes

The spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of [Mn(phen)(CO)(3)(L)](+) type complexes where L is an imidazole or an imidazole derivative containi ng a methyl, phenyl or NO, group, have been investigated, introduction of t he substituents to the cr-donor ligand has been found to produce significan t changes in the electrochemical behaviour without significantly altering t he fundamental electronic structure of the complexes. The oxidation potenti als of the fac-[Mn(phen)(CO)(3)L](+) and mer-[Mn-(phen)(CO)(3)L](+) isomers are very different, allowing detailed electrochemical studies to be made. Cyclic voltammetry of both the fac and mer isomers provides a complete desc ription of a cyclic process involving the following reactions. [GRAPHICS] (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.