Alain Vallat

Evidence of intramolecular electron transfer between two metallic atoms in a bimetallic complex by electrochemical methods

The electrochemical properties of the monomeric complex [(η5-C5H5)(μ-η5:η1-C5H4(CH2)2P(C6H5)2TiCl2] 1 and the heterobimetallic complex [(η5-C5H5)(μ-η5:η1-C5H4(CH2)2P(C6H5)2TiCl2][RuCl2(C6H4(CH3)(C3H7))] 2 have been studied by cyclic voltammetry, controlled potential electrolysis and rotating disk electrode voltammetry. An unexpected electron transfer between the two heterobimetallic atoms has been observed. This transfer takes place via an intramolecular interaction, hence via a chloride bridge. Electrochemical simulation has been carried out to verify experimental results and to obtain the kinetic constant of the proposed square scheme.

Thermodynamic and kinetic control over the oxidation mechanism of the natural vanadyl porphyrin series (DPEP)VO in methylene chloride: electrogeneration of an unusual dicationic species [(DPEP)VO]22+

The electrochemical behavior of the natural (DPEP)VO series (where DPEP is the dianion deoxophylloerythroetioporphyrinate) is studied in methylene chloride. The investigated compounds, which were extracted from oil shales of Tarfaya (Morocco), exhibit a typical electrochemical behavior as compared to that of related synthetic vanadyl porphyrins. The electro-oxidation of (DPEP)VO is characterized by a splitting of the peaks when carried out at a glassy carbon electrode. This can be explained by two possible paths (CE and EC mechanisms) which are characterized by a “square diagram” where the chemical step, C, corresponds to a dimerization (radical–radical or substrate–substrate reaction). The electrochemical or chemical (AgBF4) oxidation gives a dimeric dicationic species [(DPEP)VO]22+ which was characterised by EPR and UV-visible spectroscopy. Modelling of the current–voltage curves was carried out and all thermodynamic and kinetics parameters relative to the proposed square diagram were determined.