Electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical and catalytical properties of new Cu(II) and Co(II) phthalocyanines

•Synthesis and characterization of (2-(2-(4-allyl-2-methoxyphenoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy substituted CuPc and CoPc•Electrochemical characterization of CuPc and CoPc were performed in solution with voltammetric and in situ spectroelectrochemical measurements.•Catalytic activity of CuPc and CoPc in the benzyl alcohol oxidation.•Examination of different parameters that effect the oxidation process to finding optimal conditions of catalysis.

The synthesis of a novel phthalonitrile derivative with 2-(2-(4-allyl-2-methoxyphenoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy functionalized groups and its peripherally tetrasubstituted copper(II) and cobalt(II) phthalocyanine complexes were reported. These novel compounds were characterized by using IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, UV–vis and MS spectral data. Electrochemical characterization of CuPc and CoPc were performed in solution with voltammetric and in situ spectroelectrochemical measurements. CoPc gives metal based reduction and oxidation reactions in addition to the ligand based electron transfer reactions. CuPc gives reversible ligand based reductions and irreversible oxidation reactions. Voltammetric and in situ spectroelectrochemical responses of complexes were affected from the electrolyte systems considerably. Especially distinct color differences were observed between the electrogenerated anionic and cationic species of CoPc. Catalytic activity of these novel compounds were investigated in the benzyl alcohol oxidation. Different parameters that effect the oxidation process were examined for finding optimal conditions of catalysis.

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