Electrochemical and electrocatalytic studies of the N,N '-(1R,2R)-[-]-1,2-cyclohexylenebis (salicylideneiminato)cobalt(II) complex

The electrochemical properties and catalytic activity of a Co(II) complex w ith the optically active Schiff base derived from (1R,2R)-(-)-cyclohexanedi amine and salicylaldehyde have been studied in nonaqueous solutions. When d issolved in deoxygenated non-aqueous solutions, the complex exhibits revers ible redox properties for the Co(II)/Co(III) couple. Electrochemical reduct ion of oxygen and oxidation of cobalt(II) was observed on cyclic voltammogr ams of solutions containing both dioxygen and the Schiff base-cobalt(II) co mplex. An anodically formed film on a platinum electrode, studied by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, revealed the presence of the oxidized CL?(III) species. Cyclic voltammetry of oxygenated solutions examined after a period of time indicates an electrochemical activity of coordinated supe roxo/peroxo species in the 0.7-1.1 V potential range. In the presence of 4- methyl-1-cyclohexene the cyclic voltammetry curves reveal changes similar t o those caused by the removal of oxygen. The GC-MS technique was used to id entify some of the products formed by the catalytic oxidation of cyclohexen e and 4-methyl-1-cyclohexene.