Triggering Electron Transfer in Co(I) Dimers: Computational Evidences for a Reversible Disproportionation Mechanism

An inner-sphere disproportionation mechanism of the Co(I) precursor CoCl(PPh₃ )₃ is described through a Density Functional Theory study. The essential role of oleylamine in this process is unravelled. A detailed analysis of the electronic structure of Cobalt dimers of the general formula Co₂ Cl₂ L_n (L=NH₃ and PH₃ ) demonstrates that electron transfer is triggered by asymetric coordination of amine and phosphine to stabilize a mixed-valence Co(II)-Co(0) dimer. This is consistent with the HSAB statement that both amine and phosphine ligands are required to stabilize the reaction products, respectively Co(II) and Co(0) centers. We propose a quasi-athermic multi-step disproportionation mechanism with low activation barriers where the electron transfer goes through simple ligand exchanges between Co.