Cobalt-amine complexes as potential water oxidation catalysts

The water oxidation (measured as oxygen evolution) activity of different cobalt complexes was measured, using different oxidation agents. Two cobalt complexes, based on a dinucleating ligand were synthesized. The ligand contained eight coordination groups in total, each of the two pockets having two amine and two pyridine electron pair donors. One of the synthesized complexes was a cobalt dimer with two bound chlorides, the structure of the other complex we have not managed to reveal. Both complexes were characterized using different spectroscopic methods. One of the complexes displayed moderate oxygen evolution in aqueous solution with added oxidant, but also changed structure when dissolved in water.