A low-spin iron(II) diimine complex of a schiff base ligand: Charge transfer transition and electrochemistry

1057-1059A low-spin iron(II) complex of formula [Fe(PYAEP)2] (CIO4]2.3H2O where PYAEP = N( -[2-(2' -pyridyl)ethyl]- 2-pyridylmethylidene has been prepared. In acetonitrile solution, the complex exhibits a pair of intense absorptions (492 nm, 575 nm) due to the metal-to-ligand charge transfer transition. The FeIII/Fell reduction potential is higher compared to that of the ligand 2,2' -bipyridine revealing that the highest occupied molecular orbital is more stabilized in this case. Cyclic voltammetric measurements also reveal that the present schiff base ligand has low-lying empty p* levels and as a result it is easily reduced