The Corannulene Reduction Mechanism in Ionic Liquids is Controlled by Ion Pairing
Journal
Journal of Physical Chemistry C
Journal Volume
120
Journal Issue
15
Start Page
8405
End Page
8410
ISSN
19327447
Date Issued
2016
Author(s)
Tanner, Eden E. L.
Foong, King Yoong
Hossain, Md. Mokarrom
Batchelor-Mcauley, Christopher
Compton, Richard G.
Abstract
The electroreduction of corannulene (C20H10) has been investigated in a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) for the first time. In the RTIL 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([Bmpyrr][NTf2]) the resultant voltammetry shows a peak-to-peak separation of 100 mV, and this separation does not vary with scan rate (as predicted by a simple E mechanism). We propose a square scheme that is capable of accurately describing this behavior. Specifically, the use of a square scheme takes into account the effect of ion pairing between the ionic liquid cation and the corannulene anion on the overall reaction mechanism. Importantly, investigation in acetonitrile with a range of conventional electrolytes does not display the trends observed in the RTIL. This result likely provides a general insight into all RTILs as a class of electrolyte, because of the high concentration of ions and the proclivity of RTILs to ion-pair. © 2016 American Chemical Society.
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Type
journal article