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Title: Electrochemical Preparation of Sm(II) Reagent Facilitated by Weakly Coordinating Anions
Abstract Samarium diiodide (SmI2) is widely used as a strong one‐electron reducing agent and is often employed to form C−C bonds in complex systems. Despite their utility, SmI2and related salts suffer from several drawbacks that render the use of Sm reducing agents in large‐scale synthesis impractical. Here, we report factors influencing the electrochemical reduction of Sm(III) to Sm(II), towards the goal of electrocatalytic Sm(III) reduction. We probe the effect of supporting electrolyte, electrode material, and Sm precursor on Sm(II)/(III) redox and on the reducing power of the Sm species. We find that the coordination strength of the counteranion of the Sm salt affects the reversibility and redox potential of the Sm(II)/(III) couple and establish that the counteranion primarily determines the reducibility of Sm(III). Electrochemically generated SmI2performs similarly to commercial SmI2solutions in a proof‐of‐concept reaction. The results will provide fundamental insight to facilitate the development of Sm‐electrocatalytic reactions.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2002158
PAR ID:
10467829
Author(s) / Creator(s):
 ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  
Publisher / Repository:
Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Chemistry – A European Journal
Volume:
29
Issue:
46
ISSN:
0947-6539
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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