An Electrochemical Experiment to Monitor the Isomerization of trans- to cis-[RuCl2(dppb)(phen)]. An Undergraduate Cyclic Voltammetry Experiment for Inorganic Chemistry

A cyclic voltammetric experiment for undergraduate students is presented involving the conversion of trans-[RuCl₂(dppb)(phen)] to cis-[RuCl₂(dppb)(phen)] (dppb = 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). This experiment (i) is a good introduction to the use of electrochemical techniques, (ii) gives students experience in electrochemical principles and in measuring current and potential, (iii) gives students the opportunity to calculate half-wave potentials from the experimental oxidation and reduction waves, and (iv) illustrates the use of CV to monitor an isomerization process involving an inorganic coordination compound. The experiment can be completed in about four hours of laboratory time.