Synthesis, characterization, and solution behavior of solvated perfluoroethyl and n-perfluoropropyl cobalt(III) complexes

Solvent-coordinated perfluoroethyl and n-perfluoropropyl cobalt complexes were prepared and characterized by a variety of analytical techniques. The new complexes reported herein include [(MeCN)(3)Co(n-C(3)F7)(3)], [fac- (H2O)(3)Co(n-C(3)F7)(3)].(6 pyridine), and [(MeCN)(4)Co(R-f)(2)][PF6] (R-f = C2F5, n-C3F7). Electrochemical analyses reveal the extent to which [(MeCN)(4)Co(C2F5)(2)][PF6] is more easily reduced compared to the known [(MeCN)(3)Co (C2F5)(3)], which has implications for the development of redox-triggered reactions involving the intermediacy of cobalt(II).

Automated summary

In this study, solvent-coordinated perfluoroethyl and n-perfluoropropyl cobalt complexes were synthesized and characterized. The electrochemical analysis revealed that [(MeCN)(4)Co(C2F5)(2)][PF6] is more easily reduced compared to [(MeCN)(3)Co (C2F5)(3)], which has significant implications for the development of redox-triggered reactions involving cobalt(II) intermediates.