On the spectroelectrochemical characterization of the electrocatalytic oxidation of Cu(II) ethylenediamine

The electrolytic oxidation of the copper-ethylendiamine complex in alkaline solution has been studied using tin oxide optically transparent electrodes. During electrolysis, a thin solid deposit assumed to contain divalent copper oxide or hydroxide, formed on the electrode surface. This deposit appeared to facilitate the electrocatalytic oxidation of CuEn₂²⁺ and OH^- ions. Spectroscopic and electrochemical data obtained during various electrochemical experiments suggested a mechanism involving trivalent copper as an intermediate in the catalytic step.