Modeling of solvent viscosity effects on the electroreduction of Pt(II) aquachlorocomplexes

摘要

Solvent dynamics effects on the electroreduction of [PtCl3(H2O)](-) at a mercury electrode are explored in the framework of Sumi-Marcus model using an efficient computational scheme. According to results of density functional calculations, the second electron transfer step may be regarded as rate controlling. The nonmonotonous influence of solvent viscosity on the reaction rate is predicted and explained in terms of the saddle point avoidance. The results of model calculations are employed to interpret experimental data reported earlier in the literature.