Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution by an iron complex containing a nitro-functionalized polypyridyl ligand

A new iron catalyst with a nitro-functionalized polypyridyl ligand has been synthesized and is active for proton reduction. Catalysis occurs at −1.18 V versus Fc+/Fc with an overpotential of only 300 mV. The complex is active with a turnover frequency of 550 s−1 and is stable in aqueous solutions.58