Electrochemistry of 2,2′‐Bipyridine Complexes of Cobalt in the Presence of Acrylonitrile

Abstract

The previously claimed (1) catalysis of the electroreduction of acrylonitrile by means of a complex of Co(I) and 2,2′‐bipyridine is shown to be erroneous. The “catalytic currents” result instead from the two‐electron reduction of a mixed complex of Co(I) acrylonitrile and 2,2′‐bipyridine. The equilibrium and forward rate constants for the formation of the mixed complex have been estimated and its spectrum is given. The behavior of a number of other vinyl monomers, which mimic acrylonitrile, is described.