Electrochemical behaviour of 1, 3-diphenyl-3-hydroxytriazene and its copper complex

Abstract

1,3-Diphenyl-3-hydroxytriazene (DPHT) and its Cu complex have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR spectra and magnetic susceptibility studies. DPHT acts as a bidentate ligand through N-hydroxy and triazeno groups and coordinates to the bivalent Cu metal ions. Cyclic voltammetry studies on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) as well as Pt electrode at various sweep rates and pH values reveal that DPHT shows six electrons irreversible reduction behaviour while its Cu complex undergoes one electron quasi-reversible electrode reaction. Electrochemical reduction of DPHT has been carried out at constant current using stainless steel (SS-316) electrodes yielding phenylhydrazine and aniline. The products have been isolated, purified and characterized by combined application of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Mechanism for electro-reduction of DPHT in acidic, aqueous and alkaline medium has also been proposed.