Cobalt complexes formed from 2,2’-bipyridine (bpy) have been used to study electron transfer mechanisms, to facilitate redox reactions in solar cells, and to catalyze the reduction of alkynes. Investigation into solar cells for renewable alternative energy is of particular significance in the modern economic climate. However, there is comparatively less research into the preparation and use of functionalized cobalt-bpy complexes, notably those that could serve as reactants for additional chemical synthesis. In this research, a scheme for the synthesis and characterization of the as-yet unreported functionalized complex [Co(4-brbpy)3]3+ (4-brbpy = 4-bromo-2,2’-bipyridine) is proposed. The synthesis of this complex resembles that previously published for the related complex [Co(4-fbpy)3]3+ (4-fbpy = 4-fluoro-2,2’-bipyridine) with modifications taken from other similar syntheses. Characterization of the synthesized product is carried out via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR), and ultraviolet/visible (UV/vis) spectroscopies. Analysis of NMR spectra and accompanying COSY spectra suggest the precipitated solid product is the target [Co(4-brbpy)3]3+ complex. Spectroscopic measurements of purified [Co(4-brbpy)3]3+ is compared to those of the unfunctionalized complex [Co(bpy)3]3+ to understand how functionalization of the bpy ligand changes the properties of these complexes.
