Spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of di-2-thienyl ketone thiosemicarbazone (dtktsc): electrochemical reactions with electrophiles (H + and CO 2 )

Abstract The first di-2-thienyl ketone thiosemicarbazone (dtktsc) and its di-2-thienyl ketone (dtk) hybrid (dtktsc-dtk) were isolated and characterized from the results of their elemental analyses, spectroscopic measurements and X-ray structural analyses. Spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements disclosed sensitivity of dtktsc to changes in its surroundings. Electronic absorption measurements in protophilic solvents (dmso and dmf) in the presence and absence of a base disclosed deprotonation of the thioamide (NH) proton. Variable temperature 1 H NMR measurements divulged entropy driven exchange of NH and NH 2 protons with the residual water protons. X-ray structure analyses confirmed the identities of dtktsc and dtktsc-dtk. Electrochemical measurements on dtktsc in the presence and absence of an electrophile (CO 2 or H + ) revealed irreversible redox processes pointing to electrochemical decomposition, reactions with electrophiles and electro-polymerization. On GC-electrode electro-polymerization of dtktsc occurs in CH 3 CN on oxidative scans. On reductive scans at a Pt-electrode, electro-catalytic decomposition of dtktsc occurs. Plausible mechanisms for the electrochemical decomposition and reactions of dtktsc with electrophiles are proposed.