Autoxidation of Ni(II) and Co(II) tetra, penta and hexaglycine complexes accelerated by oxy sulfur radicals

Abstracts

The autoxidation of Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes with tetra, penta and hexaglycine, in borate medium, is accelerated by sulfur(IV) species (H2SO3, HSO3- and SO3(2-)). The formation of Ni(III) and Co(III) complexes was followed spectrophotometrically at 325 and 265 nm, respectively. Electrochemical techniques were also employed to characterize the generation of these complexes. The autoxidation rate increases with S(IV) concentration and is maximum at pH <FONT FACE=Symbol>@</FONT> 8.5. The process is autocatalytic with Ni(III) or Co(III) acting as initiators, formed by spontaneous oxidation by oxygen. The dependence of the pseudo first order rate constant with sulfite concentration showed evidences of back or parallel reactions with formation of mixed ligand complex prior to the oxidation step.

nickel; cobalt; pentaglycine; hexaglycine; sulfite

A autoxidação dos complexos de Ni(II) e Co(II) com tetra, penta e hexaglicina, em meio de tampão borato, é acelerada por espécies de enxofre(IV) (H2SO3, HSO3- and SO3(2-)). A formação dos complexos de Ni(III) e Co(III) foi acompanhada espectrofotometricamente em 325 e 265 nm, respectivamente. Técnicas eletroquímicas também foram empregadas para caracterizar a geração destes complexos. A velocidade da reação de autoxidação aumenta com a concentração de S(IV) e é máxima em pH <FONT FACE=Symbol>@</FONT> 8,5. O processo é autocatalítico com Ni(III) ou Co(III) atuando como iniciadores, formados pela oxidação espontânea de Ni(II) ou Co(II) pelo oxigênio molecular. A dependência da constante de velocidade de pseudo-primeira ordem com a concentração de sulfito evidenciou possíveis reações paralelas com formação de um complexo com ligantes mistos antes da etapa da oxidação.

ARTICLE

Autoxidation of Ni(II) and Co(II) tetra, penta and hexaglycine complexes accelerated by oxy sulfur radicals

Luciana B. Carvalho; María V. Alipázaga; Denise Lowinsohn; Mauro Bertotti; Nina Coichev^*

Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 26077, 05513-970 São Paulo-SP, Brazil

ABSTRACT

The autoxidation of Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes with tetra, penta and hexaglycine, in borate medium, is accelerated by sulfur(IV) species (H₂SO₃, HSO₃^– and SO₃^2–). The formation of Ni(III) and Co(III) complexes was followed spectrophotometrically at 325 and 265 nm, respectively. Electrochemical techniques were also employed to characterize the generation of these complexes. The autoxidation rate increases with S(IV) concentration and is maximum at pH @ 8.5. The process is autocatalytic with Ni(III) or Co(III) acting as initiators, formed by spontaneous oxidation by oxygen. The dependence of the pseudo first order rate constant with sulfite concentration showed evidences of back or parallel reactions with formation of mixed ligand complex prior to the oxidation step.

Keywords: nickel, cobalt, pentaglycine, hexaglycine, sulfite

RESUMO

A autoxidação dos complexos de Ni(II) e Co(II) com tetra, penta e hexaglicina, em meio de tampão borato, é acelerada por espécies de enxofre(IV) (H₂SO₃, HSO₃^– and SO₃^2–). A formação dos complexos de Ni(III) e Co(III) foi acompanhada espectrofotometricamente em 325 e 265 nm, respectivamente. Técnicas eletroquímicas também foram empregadas para caracterizar a geração destes complexos. A velocidade da reação de autoxidação aumenta com a concentração de S(IV) e é máxima em pH @ 8,5. O processo é autocatalítico com Ni(III) ou Co(III) atuando como iniciadores, formados pela oxidação espontânea de Ni(II) ou Co(II) pelo oxigênio molecular. A dependência da constante de velocidade de pseudo-primeira ordem com a concentração de sulfito evidenciou possíveis reações paralelas com formação de um complexo com ligantes mistos antes da etapa da oxidação.

Introduction

The S(IV) induced autoxidation of Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) in the presence of complexing medium, where the formation of the metal ion in the 3+ oxidation state can be followed, has been studied by our research group.^1-17 Detailed kinetics and mechanistic studies have been done for the systems: Co(II)/(III)/N₃^–,² Mn(II)/(III)/N₃^–,³ Fe(II)/(III)/H₂O,^18,19 Mn(II)/(III)/Ac^–,⁹ Co(II)/(III)/TRIS,^4,15 Ni(II)/(III)/cyclam,^7,8 Ni(II)/(III)/OH^–,⁶ Ni(II)/(III)/tetraglycine,^14,17 Co(II)/(III)/tetraglycine¹⁷ and Cu(II)/(III)/tetra, penta and hexaglycine.^5,10,11,16

The oxidation of S(IV) occurs simultaneously with the consumption of oxygen and oxidation of the metal ion complex to the 3+ oxidation state, which could be followed in a suitable complexing medium by spectrophotometric ^{4,5,10,11,15-17} or amperometric¹³ methods.

Some sensitive analytical methods for S(IV) in air, rain water, juices, wines and white sugar have been developed based on the linear dependence of the concentration of the metal ion complex (at 3+ oxidation state) and the initial concentration of S(IV).^4,5,10,11,14

The S(IV) induced autoxidation of Ni(II) and Co(II) tetraglycine complexes is very fast.^17,20 On the other hand, Cu(II) tetraglycine complexes react slowly but traces (10^-6 mol L^-1) of Ni(II) and Co(II) ions accelerate the oxidation.¹⁶ The formation of Ni(III) and Co(III) tetraglycine complexes can be followed spectrophotometrically by absorbance changes at 325 and 265 nm, respectively.

This article reports additional information on the S(IV) induced autoxidation of Ni(II) and Co(II) tetra (G₄), penta (G₅) and hexaglycine (G₆) complexes. Some analytical potentialities and a comparative study on the reactivity of Ni(III) and Co(III) complexes are also described.

Experimental

Reagents

All reagents were of analytical grade (Merck or Sigma) and were used as received. Solutions were prepared by using deionised water purified with a Milli-Q Plus Water system (Millipore).

Stock solutions of sulfite (1.00´10^-2 mol L^-1) were daily prepared by dissolving the Na₂S₂O₅ salt in water previously purged with nitrogen. Water was flushed with nitrogen for at least half an hour to remove dissolved oxygen. To prepare diluted solutions of sulfite, small volumes of the stock solutions were properly added to air saturated water. The sulfite content of the stock solution was determined by iodimetry.²¹

Ni(II) (0.200 mol L^-1) stock solution was prepared from the direct reaction of Ni (powder) (99.99%) with double distilled nitric acid.

Co(II) (0.965 mol L^-1) stock solution was prepared from the direct reaction of Co(II) carbonate with perchloric acid followed by standardization with EDTA.²²

Spectrophotometric measurements

The metal ion complex solutions containing [Ni(II)] = 4.0´10^-4 mol L^-1 in borate medium 0.10 mol L^-1 (pH = 7.51 - 10.1) or [Co(II)] = 2.0´10^-4 mol L^-1 in borate buffer 0.10 mol L^-1 (pH = 8.48 - 9.30); ionic strength 0.2 mol L^-1 (NaClO₄), were freshly prepared. Ni^IIG_n and Co^IIG_n solutions were prepared by dissolving tetraglycine (G₄), pentaglycine (G₅) or hexaglycine (G₆) in borate solution followed by the addition of Ni(II) or Co(II) solution (prepared to have 100% or 10% excess of peptide, respectively).

The kinetics was followed at the wavelength of maximum absorption of the Ni^IIIG_n or Co^IIIG_n complexes by using an HP8453A diode array spectrophotometer.

The data were obtained by mixing an equal volume of sulfite solution (2.0 - 14) ´ 10^-5 mol L^-1 and the metal ion complex solution (in borate buffer) in a double compartment cell (0.875 cm optical path length quartz cell) for slow reactions. Pro-K.2000 Stopped-Flow Mixing Accessory was used for the experiments at short time intervals. The final concentrations after the mixture are indicated in all figures.

Air saturated solutions were employed in all experiments and the oxygen concentration was considered to be 2.5´10^-4 mol L^-1.²³ Water was used as reference solution (blank).

A pHmeter Metrohm model 713 with a glass electrode (filled with sat. NaCl) was used in the pH measurements. The temperature was kept at 25.0 °C.

Electrochemical measurements

An Autolab PGSTAT 30 (Eco Chemie) bipotentiostat with the data acquisition software (GPES 4.8 version) was used. Experiments were done in an electrochemical cell with a Ag/AgCl (saturated KCl) and a platinum wire as reference and counter electrodes, respectively. Voltammetry with a rotating ring-disc electrode (RRDE) was carried out using an analytical rotator (AFMSRX) connected to the bipotentiostat. The glassy carbon/glassy carbon ring-disk electrodes (AFMT29) had the following dimensions: disk radius = 0.5613 cm, inner radius of the ring = 0.6248 cm and outer radius of the ring = 0.7925 cm. During rotating ring-disk electrode voltammetric experiments, the disk electrode potential was scanned between the limits 0.2 and 1.0 V, the ring being maintained at 0.0 V to collect the material generated at the disk. 0.05 mol L^-1 NaClO₄ in borate buffer was used as supporting electrolyte.

The voltammograms were obtained from air saturated solutions containing the metal ion complexes in borate buffer. In order to evaluate the effect of S(IV) on the voltammetric profile, very small volumes of S(IV) solutions were added to the electrochemical cell. The S(IV) concentration in the final solutions is indicated in the figures.

Results and Discussion

The sulfite induced autoxidation of Ni^IIG_n

Ni^IIG_n complexes have maximum absorbance peaks at 250 and 410 nm. In the case of Ni^IIG₄ complex, literature²⁴ reports an equilibrium between the blue octahedral [Ni^IIG₄]⁺ and the yellow square planar [Ni^II(H_–3G₄)]^2– complexes. The amount of [Ni^II(H_–1G₄)] and [Ni^II(H_–2G₄)]^– in solution is not appreciable at pH = 9.0 (H_–1G_n^2–, H_–2G_n^3– and H_–3G_n^4– refer to the peptide ligand with 1, 2 and 3 deprotonated peptide nitrogen coordinated to nickel ion). In the present work, the transition from the octahedral to the square-planar geometry could be followed at 250 nm by the absorbance increasing, a constant value being reached after 10 minutes.

Ni^IIG₅ (2.0´10^-4 mol L^-1) reacts slowly with oxygen in an autocatalytic process with induction period of 10000 s (at pH=8.50, borate buffer). However, in the presence of S(IV) the formation of Ni^IIIG₅ complexes becomes much faster and reaches an absorbance limit after 1 s.

The S(IV) induced autoxidation of Ni^IIG_n complexes was studied following the absorbance changes at 325 nm. Figure 1A and 1A' show the spectra obtained before and after 0.8 s of addition of 5.0x10^-5 mol L^-1 sulfite to a Ni^IIG₅ solution. An absorption band at 325 nm is observed due to the formation of Ni^IIIG₅.

Figure 2 shows the effect of the medium acidity on the formation and decomposition of Ni^IIIG₅. The maximum absorbance is reached at approximately 0.8 s as result of the fast S(IV) induced autoxidation of Ni^IIG₅ complex; a maximum value was observed at pH=8.50. The further decomposition of Ni^IIIG₅ complex increases with the increase of the pH, a similar behavior being observed with Ni^IIIG₄ and Ni^IIIG₆ complexes. The Ni^IIIG₄ complex formed in absence of sulfite decomposes with oxidation of the ligand.²⁰

The Olis Kinfit²⁵ and Pro-K.2000 ²⁶ set of programs were employed to fit the absorbance-time traces. However, no good approach was achieved. Therefore, the first order formation of Ni^IIIG_n (k_obs) was obtained by the initial slope (ln (Absorbance_t) – ln (Absorbance_i) vs. time plots, neglecting the induction period (less than 0.1 s). Unfortunately, the software from Pro-K.2000 Stopped-Flow Mixing Accessory (on line with HP8453A diode array spectrophotometer) allows data acquisition with time interval of 0.1 s, such as after the induction period only three or four points were available to obtain the initial slope. This part of the kinetic trace exhibits the maximum rate for Ni^IIIG_n formation.^2,27

The k_obsvs. pH, represented in Figure 2(B), can be subject of some error due to the interference of the induction period (an evidence of autocatalytic process) and further decomposition of Ni^IIIG₅ complex (especially at higher pH). k_obs values increase with pH in the range of 7.5 – 9.0 likely because of the different degree of protonation of the nickel complexes, which is dependent on the medium acidity. The [Ni^II(H_–3G₅)]^2– is probably the main species in solution at pH 8.5 - 9.0.

For instance, the pK₃ for Ni^IIG₄ ([Ni^II(H_-3G₄)^2–]. [H⁺]/[Ni^II(H_-2G₄)] ^–) is 8.1²⁰ showing that at this pH the ratio [Ni^II(H_-2G₄)]^– : [Ni^II(H_-3G₄)]^2– is 1:1. At pH = 8.5, the predominant specie of Ni(III) complexes must be [Ni^III(H_–3G₄)]^–.

For comparative studies, a kinetic investigation on the S(IV) induced autoxidation of Ni^IIG_n complexes was carried out at pH=8.50, in air saturated solution. At this pH, the Ni(III) formation was more efficient and its decomposition is slower (Figure 2(A)).

The dependence of Ni^IIIG₅ formation on the S(IV) concentration (Figure 3(A)) could only be studied over a limited concentration range where the initial [S(IV)] = (0.05 – 0.35) ´ [Ni(II)]. At [S(IV)] > 7´10^-5 mol L^-1 the reduction of Ni^IIIG₅ formed may occur in an air saturated solution ([O₂] @ 2.5´10^-4 mol L^-1).²³ Experiments following Ni^IIIG₄ and Ni^IIIG₆ formation showed similar Absorbance ´ time profiles (data not shown). Experiments at [S(IV)] lower than 1´10^-5 mol L^-1 would better define the intercept observed in the Figure 3(B), which is due to either a back or parallel reaction. However, the absorbance changes at such lower S(IV) concentrations were not significant. Due to the lack of sufficiently detailed experimental information, the proposed kinetic data treatment yields a semi-quantitative description. Therefore, in the present work only the main pathways in the intrinsic mechanism are described.

Figure 3(A) shows a small induction period, which depends on the initial [S(IV)]. Absorbance values after 1 s are linear with initial [S(IV)], hence they may be used for analytical purposes. At longer scale (t > 3s) the absorbance decreases as a consequence of the decomposition of Ni^IIIG_n complexes.

Mechanism

As already shown in our previous work,^7,17 the sulfite induced autoxidation of Ni^IIG₄ is an autocatalytic process involving a chain of redox reactions with free radical formation.

The Scheme 1 describes the main reactions involving a redox cycling for the oxidation of Ni^IIG_n complexes promoted by the strong oxidizing agents (SO₄^•–, SO₅^•– and HSO₅^–) generated in the reaction.

The autocatalytic process needs the initiator Ni^IIIG_n to start the reaction (equation 6). Small amounts of this species are produced by direct oxidation of Ni^IIG_n by dissolved oxygen (equation 1).^17,20 This step initiates the reaction between Ni^IIIG_n and SO₃^2– (equation 6) with formation of SO₃^•–, which reacts with O₂ producing SO₅^•– (equation 7). The oxidation of Ni^IIG_n occurs with simultaneous consumption of O₂^6,8,9 and S(IV) oxidation. The balance of S(IV) and O₂ controls the redox cycling process.^{2,3,6,8,18,19,28-36} In this process type the interaction of the metal ion (such as Fe³⁺, Mn³⁺, Co³⁺ and Ni³⁺) with HSO₃^– or SO₃^2–, at low concentrations, results in the oxidation of SO₃^2– to the radical SO₃^•– and the reduction of the metal ion to the 2+ state. In the presence of oxygen, the metal ion is oxidized back to higher oxidation state. This redox cycling was clearly demonstrated for Co(II)/(III)/ N₃^–,³³ Mn(II)/(III)/N₃^–,³³ Fe(II)/(III)/H₂O,³² Ni(II)/(III)/OH^–,⁶ Ni(II)/(III)/cyclam.⁸

Some studies in the literature^9,31 clearly show the importance of Fe(III) as one possible initiator, present as unavoidable impurity in chemicals or even in highly purified water. If Fe(III) is considered as the initiator, SO₃^•– could be generated by the reduction of Fe(III) by SO₃^2– (similar to equation 6), with further oxidation of Ni^IIG_n (equations 8, 10-12). As the present studies were carried out at pH = 8.50, Fe(III) impurities may be present as hydrolyzed species and equation 6 must be important in the initiation process.

The intercept and constant value of k_obs at higher S(IV) concentration (in the case of Ni^IIG₅ and Ni^IIG₆ autoxidation) in Figure 3(B) can be interpreted as an evidence of back or parallel reaction, as represented by equation 5. The formation of mixed ligand complex (equations 2 and 3), prior to the oxidation step (equation 4), may involve a slow dechelation process of the G_n ligand with coordination of sulfite and O₂ to Ni^IIG_n. An internal electron transfer could produce [Ni^III (H_–2G_n)SO₃]^2– (equation 4). In a posterior step Ni(III) is reduced by SO₃^2– to give [Ni^II(H_-3G_n)]^2– and SO₃^•–.

Two studies in the literature about Ni(II)/(III) peptide complex are relevant in the present discussion. Lepentsiotis et al.³⁶ proposed the formation of Ni^IIIL (SO₄^•–) (L=lysylglycylhistidine carboxiamide), where the SO₄^•– radical may coordinate to Ni^IIIL complex. Green et al.³⁷ considered the formation of reactive dimmer species of Ni(II) and Ni(III)Gly₂HisGly complexes in the oxidative self-decomposition of Ni(III) complex.

The sulfite induced autoxidation of Co^IIG_n

Figure 1B shows the spectrum of a Co^IIG₅ solution (pH = 9.05) recently prepared. The Co^IIIG₅ formation in air saturated solution, in absence or presence of S(IV), can be followed by the absorbance changes at 265 nm (Figure 1B').

A solution of 1.0´10^-4 mol L^-1 of Co^IIG_n complexes was chosen for the kinetic studies since Co(OH)₃ may be formed at higher concentrations of Co(II) after 120 minutes. The precipitation of Co(OH)₃ could also be prevented by keeping G_n ligand in excess (10%).

In the absence of sulfite the autoxidation of Co^IIG₅ is relatively slow and becomes faster by increasing the pH (Figure 4(A)). At pH 8.48 – 9.05 (Figure 4(B) a-c) the effect of S(IV) by accelerating Co^IIIG₅ formation can be better evaluated (compare Figure 4(A) and 4(B)), since the spontaneous oxidation by dissolved oxygen is slower.

Similarly to Ni^IIG_n complexes, the reaction rate and effectiveness of Co(III) formation may be related to the different reactive species of Co^IIG₅ due to the different protonation degree of the coordinated ligand, which is dependent on the solution acidity. As pK values for [Co^II (H_-xG_n)]^(1-x) or [Co^III(H_-xG_n)]^(2-x) are unknown, it is not possible to define the distribution diagram of the different species in the solution. Besides, a shift in the HSO₃^–/SO₃^2– equilibrium (pK₂ = 7.2)³⁸ will lead to an increase in the redox rate constant at pH>7.

The spontaneous oxidation of Co^IIG_n by dissolved oxygen was faster by increasing the pH, Co^IIG_n and ligand concentrations. For instance, the Co^IIIG_n formation in the presence or absence of sulfite exhibits a remarkable dependence on the free ligand concentration (G₅ was kept in excess 0 – 200% over Co^IIG₅, data not shown), the reaction becoming faster with higher Co^IIIG₅ formation.

In order to better evaluate the accelerating effect of S(IV) on the Co^IIIG_n formation, experimental conditions must be such that the spontaneous oxidation by O₂ is minimized (Figure 5, [S(IV)]=zero) and the S(IV) effect is more pronounced.

Comparing Ni^IIG₅ and Co^IIG₅ ([M^IIG₅]=1.0´10^-4 mol L^-1, 100% G₅ in excess, at pH = 9.05, data not shown), the later reacts faster with O₂ (in absence of S(IV)). However, Co(III) complexes formation is much slower in the presence of sulfite (compare Figures 3(A) and 5(B)). Co^IIIG_n complexes seem to be stable for 20 hours (the monitored time) since the absorbance at 265 nm does not change.

Figure 5 shows no clear induction period, which may indicate the formation of a significant amount of Co(III) as a result of spontaneous oxidation by oxygen.

Also in this case, the dependence of Co(III) formation with S(IV) concentration was studied over a limited concentration range [S(IV)] = (0.1-0.5) ´ [Co(II)]. The experiments were not carried out under pseudo-first order conditions (Co(II) and O₂ in large excess over S(IV)).

The Olis Kinfit²⁵ set of program was employed to fit the absorbance-time traces and two exponential functions could be fitted (Table 1), resulting k_1obs and k_2obs. It means that there are at least two consecutive steps, with rate constant values with different order of magnitude. However, it was not possible to fit the complete absorbance vs time trace with three or four exponential functions.

For Co^IIG₄ complex, k_1obs showed a dependence with S(IV), while k_2obs = 2.0x10^-3 s^-1 was found to be constant. These results are in agreement with our previous work.¹⁷ k_1obs and k_2obs do not depend on S(IV) concentration for Co^IIIG₅ and Co^IIIG₆ complexes formation.

The fact that the sulfite induced autoxidation of Co^IIG₄ is faster than Co^IIG₅ and Co^IIG₆ complex could be associated to a steric effect of the ligands.

The Co^IIIG_n formation, especially in the case of Co^IIIG₅ (Figure 5(B)) and Co^IIIG₆ (Figure 5(C)), is the sum of spontaneous oxidation by dissolved oxygen and S(IV) accelerating effect. Initially, the sulfite induced autoxidation of Co^IIG_n occurs with simultaneous oxidation of S(IV). After the S(IV) consumption, the autocatalytic Co^IIIG_n formation is due to the oxygen still remaining in solution (the absorbance did not reach a limit value).

The sulfite induced autoxidation of Co^IIG_n complexes also shows evidence for a mechanism involving formation of radicals. The initiation may also involve a parallel reaction with formation of a mixed ligand complex. Accordingly, literature shows that Co^IISO₃^2– is fairly stable.³⁹

In the Scheme 1 (proposed for the sulfite induced autoxidation of Ni^IIG_n), additional steps must be considered in the initiation process for Co^IIIG_n generation, with formation of dimeric complexes with oxygen adduct and peroxo bridges.

Studies⁴⁰ with Co(II) peptides (gly-gly, gly-ala, ala-gly and ala-ala) showed the formation of dimeric complexes with m-superoxo bridges. In the case of Co^IIaspargine, the formation of dioxygen complex occurs prior to the oxidation of the metal center.⁴¹

The pH dependence of Co^IIG_n oxidation by oxygen (in the presence or absence of sulfite), Figure 4, may be explained by the possible formation of oxygen adduct or m-superoxo bridge. This property of Co(II)/(III) complexes may explain the different behavior of Co^IIG_n compared to Ni^IIG_n in the presence of oxygen and sulfite.

Electrochemical studies of the oxidation of Ni^IIG₄ and Co^IIG₄

The voltammetric behavior of Ni^IIG₄ complexes (in borate medium pH=9) has been already described in a previous work.¹⁷ Data obtained in this work suggested that the electrochemical process is reversible, the electrogenerated Ni^IIIG₄ is not stable in solution (see Figure 2d) and its is decomposed via ligand oxidation. Rotating ring-disc electrode voltammetry was used to characterize the degradation reaction of the Ni^IIIG₄ generated species.

We have extended in this work the investigation of the electrodic process of Ni(II) penta and hexaglycine complexes. Figure 6(a) shows RRDE voltammograms of a Ni^IIG₅ solution; from the analysis of the data it is possible to conclude that a free-soluble species is generated during the sweep to positive potentials owing to the signal appearance at the ring. The anodic wave and the concurrent cathodic wave are one-electron processes represented by equations 13 and 15.

Similar results were obtained by carrying out the electrochemical experiments in solutions containing hexaglycine (results not shown). Data from this work are similar to those reported in the Ni^IIG₄ system by analyzing both the existence of an anodic signal at around 0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl and the formation of a Ni(III) complex in solution.

The collection efficiency (N), defined as the ratio of the limiting current values measured at the ring and the disk electrodes, indicates the amount of material electro generated at the disk that reaches the ring. Typical N values for Fe(CN)₆^3– (an electroactive species whose cathodic reduction leads to the stable Fe(CN)₆^4– anion) are close to 0.37; it is necessary to point out that in the Fe(CN)₆^3–/ Fe(CN)₆^4– system any subsequent chemical reaction occurs after the generation of Fe(CN)₆^4–. Collection efficiency (N) values were measured for the Ni^IIG₄, Ni^IIG₅ and Ni^IIG₆ systems and the respective values ranged from 0.22 to 0.27, 0.29 to 0.32 and 0.25 to 0.31, by performing experiments at different rotation rate values (400 to 3600 rpm); these results indicate that degradation of the electro generated Ni(III) complexes occurs during the transport to the ring (equation 14), as previously suggested for the Ni^IIG₄ system.

Upon addition of S(IV) to solutions containing Ni^IIG₆ no significant change was observed in the voltammetric profile, a comparable behavior being observed when experiments were performed in medium containing Ni^IIG₅. These results suggest that the small amount of Ni^IIIG₆, formed by the sulfite induced autoxidation of Ni^IIG₆, probably is converted to the same Ni(II) complex during the timescale of the experiment, justifying the superposition of voltammetric curves in Figure 6(b). It should be pointed out that in the Ni^IIG₄ system a small decrease in the anodic signal was observed,¹⁷ that would suggest a different pathway for the Ni(III) degradation in solutions containing G₄.

Voltammetric experiments were also carried out for solutions containing Co^IIG₅ and Co^IIG₆. Similar results as those described in the Co^IIG₄ system were observed, i.e., an irreversible anodic process with peak potential around 0.5 V.¹⁷ After addition of S(IV) a decrease in the anodic response was observed for both Co^IIG₅ and Co^IIG₆ complexes, as shown in the voltammetric cycles in Figure 7. This is an evidence of the chemical formation of some Co(III) complex, which is electro inactive at the potential range studied. As previously discussed, there is also a possible formation of a mixed ligand complex between Co^IIG₅ and SO₃^2– in the solution, prior to the Co^II oxidation. The slight shift of the half wave potential by increasing S(IV) concentration can be an evidence of the different nature of the Co(II) electroactive species still remaining in the solution.

Conclusions

In the present work the formation of Ni(III) and Co(III) complexes could be followed by spectrophotometry and cyclic voltammetry. The exact nature of these complexes and of the products (structures, protonation degree of the ligands and mixed complexes) is unknown.

The complexity of the system does not allow a definitive assignment of the involved species. The redox process is more effective when oxygen is kept in large excess over sulfite concentration and higher pH. An important aspect to consider is the decomposition of Ni^IIIG_n complexes at pH higher than 9.0, so it was not possible the accurate data treatment.

The mechanism elucidation for the autoxidation of Co^IIG_n complex is more complicated since species as mixed ligand complex and dimeric complexes with µ-superoxo bridges may be involved.

The redox cycling represented in the Scheme 1, involving changes in the oxidation state of the metal ion complex, is active as long as sulfite and oxygen are present in the solution to generate the SO₅^•–, HSO₅^– and SO₄^•– species.

The understanding of the redox cycling process of Ni^IIIG_n/Ni^IIG_n and Co^IIIG_n/Co^IIG_n is of interest not only in atmospheric processes but also in the treatment of gaseous effluents to assist pollution control systems development since these metal ion complexes can be efficient catalysts of sulfur compounds. Is necessary to mention also that DNA and RNA damage can be correlated with nickel and cobalt ion catalyzed S(IV) autoxidation.^48-51

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) and Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico (CNPq) (Brazilian agencies).

Received: April 17, 2006

Published on the web: October 5, 2006

FAPESP helped in meeting the publication costs of this article.

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  29 Jan 2007
• Date of issue
  Dec 2006

History

• Accepted
  05 Oct 2006
• Received
  17 Apr 2006