When synthesizing an oxygen-carrying cobalt complex, why does oxygen uptake only being after the addition of DMSO?
Inactive form of Co(salen), the two Co(salen)2 units are closer together compared to the active form as shown in fig. below. The inactive form is stable in air in and only reacts with O2 in the presence of a coordinating solvent DMSO. DMSO disrupts the dimeric unit Co (salen)2 and stabilizes the [Co(salen)]2-O2 adduct.
After adding DMSO, Inactive [Co(salen)]2 becomes active and reaction takes place and uptake of O2 occurred.
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