Electrocatalytic water oxidation by a molecular cobalt complex through a high valent cobalt oxo intermediate

Biuret-modified tetraamidomacrocyclic cobalt complex [Co III -bTAML] − is shown to catalyze electrochemical water oxidation at basic pH leading to the formation of O 2 . Electrochemical and spectroscopic studies indicate a high valent cobalt oxo intermediate isoelectronic to Co V (O) as the active oxidant. The kinetic isotope effect of 8.63 indicates an atom proton transfer mechanism. Biuret-modified tetraamidomacrocyclic cobalt complex [Co III -bTAML] − is shown to catalyze electrochemical water oxidation at basic pH leading to the formation of O 2 .