Synthesis, characterization and structure–property relationship studies of cobaloximes with dithienylglyoxime as the equatorial ligand

The synthesis of cobaloximes, X/RCo(dThgH)2Py (X = Cl, R = Me, Et, n-Pr, n-Bu and Bn) has been described. All the complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses and NMR spectral studies. The molecular structures of ClCo(dThgH)2Py, MeCo(dThgH)2Py, EtCo(dThgH)2Py and BnCo(dThgH)2Py complexes are determined by X-ray crystallography. The electron withdrawing nature of 2-thienyl ring affects the NMR as well as electrochemical behavior of these complexes. The electrochemical reduction from Co(III) to Co(II) and from Co(II) to Co(I) are much easier in ClCo(dThgH)2Py as compared to chlorocobaloximes with the other dioximes (gH, dmgH, dpgH, dmestgH). The molecular oxygen insertion in the Co−C bond of benzyl complex (6) has been examined and a comparison of its reaction rate with other similar cobaloximes is discussed. The structural features of a dioxy complex Bn(O2)Co(dThgH)2Py (7) have also been reported.