Mononuclear copper complex-catalyzed four-electron reduction of oxygen

Abstract

A mononuclear CuII complex acts as an efficient catalyst for four-electron reduction of O2 to H2O. Its reduction by a ferrocene derivative (Fc*) and reaction with O2 leads to the formation of a peroxodicopper(II) complex; this is subsequently reduced by Fc*in the presence of protons to regenerate the CuII complex. © 2010 American Chemical Society.