Electron Transfer to and from Molecules Containing Multiple, Noninteracting Redox Centers. Electrochemical Oxidation of Poly(Vinylferrocene)

Abstract

A general analysis is presented of the behavior to be expected in voltammetric experiments with molecules containing a number of identical, noninteracting centers that accept or give up electrons. It is shown that all such molecules will exhibit current-potential responses having the same shape as that obtained with the corresponding molecule containing a single center. Only the magnitude of the current is enhanced by the presence of additional electroactive centers. As an experimental example of the predicted behavior, the electrooxidations of vinylferrocene and two poly(vinylferrocenes) in nonaqueous media are described. A comparison of the behavior predicted in the present work with several previous studies of molecules with multiple redox centers is also presented. © 1978, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.