ELECTRON-TRANSFER REACTIONS OF IRON(III)-POLYPYRIDYL COMPLEXES WITH ORGANIC SULFIDES

The redox reactions of FeL(3)(3+) (where L = 2,2'-bipyridine, 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline) with alkyl aryl sulphides in aqueous methanol have been studied by the spectrophotometric technique. The comparison of the experimental rate constant data with the values estimated from Marcus cross-reaction relationship led to the conclusion that the single electron transfer from sulphide to FeL(3)(3+) is the rate controlling step. The kinetic data yield 1.0 x 10(7) M(-1)s(-1) for the ArSR/Ars(+.) R self-exchange rate constant at 25 degrees C.