Synthesis, electrochemistry, and electrocatalytic activity of thiazole-substituted phthalocyanine complexes

We report the synthesis of non-peripheral metallophthalocyanines which carry four 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-thiazole-2-thio units. 1H-NMR, FT-IR, UV–Vis, and MS data were acquired to characterize the synthesized compounds. Voltammetric and in situ spectroelectrochemical measurements shed light on the redox properties of the metallophthalocyanines (MPcs) in order to show the influence of the metal cations and thiazole-bearing substituents. In solution, the redox processes had an influence to the electrochromic responses, which were examined with in situ spectrocolorimetry. Phthalocyanines having cobalt (II), manganese (III), iron (III), and zinc (II) at the center yielded characteristic redox couples which are metal- and/or Pc-based and which are harmonious with the common redox properties of these types of compounds. In situ spectroelectrochemistry provided the information that MPc species underwent distinct color changes during electron transfer reactions. Electropolymerization of all complexes was performed on glassy carbon electrode, and the electropolymerized film of FePc was evaluated as an active electrocatalyst, in the alkaline medium, for oxygen evolution reaction (OER).