Synthesis, structural characterization, and electrocatalytic hydrogen generation activity of fac-tris (β-oxodithioester-OS) cobalt (III) complexes

Key Points

• The aim is to synthesize and characterize cobalt(III) β-oxodithioester complexes for electrocatalytic hydrogen generation.
• Synthesis of four fac-octahedral Co(III) β-oxodithioester complexes with general composition [Co(L)3].
• Structural characterization using various analytical techniques.
• Evaluation of electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen generation.
• All synthesized cobalt complexes showed significant electrocatalytic activity.
• Complex 1 demonstrated the highest hydrogen generation rate, enhancing performance metrics compared to others.
• Structure-activity relationship analysis indicated specific ligand affects the efficiency of hydrogen production.