Abstract

The complex [Fe II(Imz-phen) 3](PF 6) 2, (Imz-phen = imidazolidine-[4,5-f]-1,10-phenanthroline) has been prepared and characterized using X-ray diffraction, UV-vis and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, fast atomic bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry, and cyclic voltammetry. Its crystal lattice includes acetonitrile (p-p bound to phenanthroline), methanol, and water molecules. Scanning continuously between 1000 mV and 1650 mV in CH 3CN, a modified electrode that includes the iron (II) complex is obtained; after the 25th continuous cycle a stable film is formed that is electrocatalytically active in the reduction of sulfur oxoanions. When the electrocatalytic properties are evaluated in ethanol/water solution, the current achieved from the electroreduction of these sulfur species is linearly dependent on the respective concentrations, suggesting potential application in sulfite determination. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.