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Benzil/triethylamine: a photo-reducing system for Cu2
Max Schmallegger1, Georg Gescheidt1
1Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, NAWI Graz, Stremayrgasse 9, 8010 Graz, Austria.
Monatshefte Fur Chemie
|March 27, 2018
Summary
Researchers explored the photo-induced reduction of copper ions (Cu2+) to elemental copper (Cu0) using benzil and triethylamine. The study found that the counterion of the copper salt influences the reduction rate, with chloride enhancing the process.
Area of Science:
- Photochemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Copper ions (Cu2+) can be reduced to elemental copper (Cu0) through various chemical processes.
- Photo-induced electron transfer is a key mechanism in many photochemical reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the photo-induced reduction of Cu2+ to Cu0 using benzil/triethylamine mixtures.
- To understand the role of the counterion in the Cu2+ reduction process.
- To elucidate the mechanism of photo-induced electron transfer.
Main Methods:
- UV-Vis spectroscopy to monitor the formation of Cu0 via plasmon absorption peaks.
- Utilizing benzil and triethylamine as a photochemical system.
- Varying the counterion of the Cu2+ salt (Cl- vs. SO42-) to study its effect.
Main Results:
- Elemental copper (Cu0) formation was confirmed by characteristic plasmon absorption peaks at 515 nm and 620 nm.
- The reduction rate of Cu2+ was significantly faster in the presence of chloride (Cl-) compared to sulfate (SO42-).
- Photo-induced electron transfer from excited benzil and triethylamine generates a benzil radical anion, which acts as the reducing agent.
Conclusions:
- Benzil/triethylamine mixtures effectively mediate the photo-induced reduction of Cu2+ to Cu0.
- The counterion plays a crucial role in modulating the kinetics of this photochemical reduction.
- The mechanism involves photo-induced electron transfer leading to the generation of elemental copper.
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