Synthesis of a new iron-sulfur cluster compound and its photocatalytic H2 evolution activity through visible light irradiation.

A new iron-sulfur cluster compound, namely [(μ-BNT)Fe₂(CO)₆] ( A; BNT = ( R)-1,1′-binaphthalene-2,2′-dithiol), was synthesized by self-assembly of BNT with [Fe₃(CO)₁₂] and characterized using ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, infrared spectra and elemental analysis. The H₂ evolution activity of A was evaluated in a constructed homogeneous photocatalytic system by combining A as catalyst, xanthene dyes as photosensitizer and triethylamine as sacrificial reagent, to give efficient H₂ generation under visible-light irradiation ( λ > 420 nm). The maximum H₂ evolution of 404 turnovers (versus catalyst) was recorded under optimal conditions in CH₃CN-H₂O (1:1, v/v) after 4 h irradiation. The mechanism of H₂ evolution is briefly discussed using fluorescence spectra and electrochemical analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]