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Redox transfer processes (oxidation/reduction) involve removing or adding electrons to a molecule. Spectrochemical techniques such as UV/Vis (Ultra Violet/Visible), IR (Infrared) and EPR/ESR (Electron Paramagnetic/Spin Resonance) can be very useful in gaining information about the electronic energy levels of the molecule. Ideally, it is best to look at the molecule before and after the redox transfer has occured. In the past, chemical reducing/oxidising agents have been used to achieve this. These are unpredictable and often yield unknown products

Now, thanks to the development of new techniques combining electrochemistry and spectrochemistry (spectroelectrochemistry), redox tranfer reactions can occur in-situ (i.e. in a spectrochemical cell) using electrochemistry, a "clean" synthetic technique. Frequently, unstable redox products are generated and thus the ability to carry out these experiments at low temperatures is desirable.

Our group concentrates on the development and utilisation of these techniques. We routinely record UV/Vis and X-band EPR spectra of the products of redox transfer reactions generated in-situ. Research into similar techniques applicable to IR and W-band EPR spectroscopy are ongoing. You can investigate each technique using the links below.

Electrochemistry - EPR - UV-Vis

School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building
King`s Buildings, West Mains Road
Edinburgh, EH9 3JJ
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