Mechanistic Promiscuity in Cobalt-Mediated CO₂ Reduction Reaction: One- Versus Two-Electron Reduction Process.

ABSTRACT: We compare the carbon dioxide reduction (CO₂RR) activity and selectivity of the complexes [(Hbbpya)Co^II]²⁺ and [(Mebbpya)Co^II]²⁺, which contain two 2,2'-bipyridine chelating groups linked by -NH or -NCH₃ moieties, respectively. Whereas [(Hbbpya)Co^II]²⁺ forms CO under electrocatalytic conditions in presence of phenol (PhOH) with high selectivity, [(Mebbpya)Co^II]²⁺ shows higher hydrogen evolution reaction activity and low selectivity for CO production. The molecular origin of the difference in product selectivity was analysed based on spectroscopic trapping of reactive intermediates and detailed kinetic and theoretical studies. A difference in mechanism is evident; whereas an efficie

SUBMITTER: Bera A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12304851 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature