Reaction of Nitrobenzene with Cobalt(II) Mixed Ligand Complexes of Cyanide Ion and Ethylenediamine

Abstract

The reaction of nitrobenzene with a mixed ligand complex of cobalt(II) with cyanide ion and ethylenediamine(en) at 30°C in the absence of oxygen produced azoxybenzene selectively. Under a nitrogen atmosphere the yield was better than under a hydrogen atmosphere, so that. subsequent experiments were carried out under a nitrogen atmosphere. The yield was maximum when the molar ratio of Co/CN/en was 1: 3: 1. The existence of the complex of this compostion was confirmed by the measurements of conductivity and absorption spectra. The reaction mechanism was discussed.