Synthesis, crystal structure, and electrocatalytic properties of a copper(II) complex of 1,2-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)benzene

A new copper(II) complex based on the rigid ligand OBimB (OBimB = 1,2-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)benzene) has been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. In the structure of the complex, each Cu(II) atom is coordinated by four N atoms from two twisted V-shaped OBimB ligands in a square-planar geometry. The complex has been used as a bulk modifier to fabricate a carbon paste electrode (Cu-CPE). Electrochemical studies of the Cu-CPE in 0.1 M pH 2.0 phosphate buffer solution reveal that the Cu 2+ /Cu + redox process is quasi-reversible. Electrocatalytic studies of the Cu-CPE indicate that it has good electrocatalytic activities toward reduction of bromate, hydrogen peroxide, and nitrite.