Synthesis, structures, electrochemistry and catalytic activities of copper(II) and palladium(II) complexes with asymmetric tetraazacycloannulenes

Copper(II) and palladium(II) complexes with 15-membered asymmetric 5,9-dihydro-2,4,10,12-tetramethyl-1,5,9,13-monobenzotetraazacyclo[15]tetradecine have been synthesized and characterized. The electrochemical behaviors of the complexes showed a reduction and two one-electron irreversible oxidation waves in given potential ranges due to the metal ion and macrocycle ring, respectively. The electrocatalytic reduction of dioxygen on glassy carbon electrodes electropolymerized by such 15-membered and 14-membered tetraazaannulene complexes occurred at 160-280 mV (versus SCE), less negative than on the bared one at pH 7.0. The catalytic activities of the copper(II) complexes in the oxidation of p-Xstyrene (X = OCH₃, CH₃, H, F, Cl) were higher than those of the palladium(II) ones. The structures of the 15-membered copper(II) and palladium(II) complexes were determined using the X-ray diffraction method.