207pb NMR, Mass Spectrometric, and Electrochemical Studies on Labile Lead(II) Dithiocarbamate Complexes: Formation of Mixed Mercury-Lead Complexes at a Mercury Electrode in Dichloromethane Solution

Alan M. Bond, Anthony F. Hollenkamp, Ray Colton

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Abstract

207Pb NMR spectra have been observed in dichloromethane for series of Pb(RR′dtc)2 compounds (RR′dtc = dialkylthiocarbamate). The resonances are rather broad, and molecular weight determinations show that this is caused by polymerization reactions. Ligand exchange between different Pb(RR′dtc)2 compounds is fast on the NMR time scale, and the complexes are therefore labile. The labile nature of the Pb(RR′dtc)2 systems in the solid state is confirmed by mass spectrometric measurements on mixtures of different complexes. Electrochemical reduction of Pb(RR′dtc)2 in dichloromethane (0.1 M Bu4NClO4) at mercury electrodes takes place in a single reversible two-electron step to give lead amalgam and free [RR′dtc], the reversibility of this process further confirming the lability of the complexes. At platinum electrodes, initially an irreversible reduction occurs to generate elemental lead and [RR′dtc]. However, long-term behavior at platinum electrodes is complicated by the gradual coating of the electrode with elemental lead, thereby generating a lead electrode at which reversible responses are observed. Electrochemical oxidation processes at mercury electrodes are best described in terms of oxidation of the electrode in the presence of Pb(RR′dtc)2. There are three oxidation steps; the product of the first oxidation step is a labile mixed mercury-lead species [HgPb2(RR′dtc)4]2+, which is fully characterized in solution. Attempted isolation of the mixed-metal complex causes ligand redistribution, and [Hg5(RR′dtc)8](ClO4)2, Pb(RR′dtc)2, and Pb(ClO4)2 are produced in the solid state. Controlled-potential electrolysis at the potential of the second oxidation process produces the known [Hg3(RR′dtc)4]2+ species in solution. The electrochemistry in solution and the nature of the isolated products in the solid state indicate that when mercury and lead are competing for dithiocarbamate in a ligand deficient situation, then mercury is the successful element.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1991-1995
Number of pages5
JournalInorganic Chemistry
Volume29
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 1990
Externally publishedYes

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