Hydrogen evolution catalyzed by {CpFe(CO)2}-based complexes

[CpFeII(CO)2(thf)](BF4) may be considered as a bio-inspired model of hydrogenases. Its electrocatalytic properties for the reduction of trichloroacetic acid into dihydrogen are presented. A catalytic mechanism is proposed. This catalyst exhibits interesting properties, in particular low overvoltage (350 mV) for H2 evolution, but it is inactivated through dimerization. Comparison with [CpFe(CO)2]2 is provided.