Tuning the synthetic cobalt(III)corroles electroreductive catalyzed lindane dehalogenation reactivity through meso-substituents

In this study, a facile dechlorination of lindane is achieved under mild electron reductive conditions with a series of Co(III)corroles used as electrocatalysts. Spectroscopic, electrochemical, and spectroelectrochemical measurements are used to determine the mechanism of the reaction. A GC–MS analysis of the dechlorination products indicates that the meso-aryl substituents of the cobalt(III)corroles have a significant influence on the dechlorination efficiency when a fixed potential is applied. Under reductive catalysis, the Co(III)corroles provide highly satisfactory dechlorination results, since lindane was ultimately converted to chlorobenzene.