Synthesis and Redox Behavior of Dicobalt Complexes Having Flexible and Rigid Linkers

New dicobalt complexes, [CoII2L], with Schiff-base ligands (L1–L4) having two discrete metal chelating sites, which are connected to each other by flexible and rigid linkers, have been synthesized. The complexes were characterized by IR, UV–vis, and mass spectroscopy as well as elemental analyses. A magnetic study indicates an antiferromagnetic interaction in 4. The redox behavior of the complexes was examined by means of cyclic voltammetry compared with those of the corresponding mononuclear complexes. Redox waves, identified to CoIII/CoII and CoII/CoI, were clearly observed. Electro-generated [CoI2L]2− reacts with alkyl halide at each metal center to give an organocobalt complex.