In situ UV-vis and Raman spectroscopic studies of the electrochemical behavior of N,N′-diphenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine

The electrochemical behavior of the N,N′-diphenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine (B3) in acid solution has been investigated by in situ UV-vis and Raman spectroscopies. The electrogenerated species semiquinone form (B3+) and monoprotonated structure of B3 (B3+) have been characterized as the main products of B3 oxidation. The N,N′-diphenyl-1,4-benzoquinonediimine (B2Q1) species has also been characterized in B3 neutral solution and the B3+ proton loss was attributed to proton absence in solution. Finally, a mechanism has been proposed concerning the electron and proton transfer that occurs during the oxidation process.