Abstract
The redox properties of 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide (mpno) and its oxovanadium complex, $VO (mpno)_2$ have been studied by the use of polarography and cyclic voltammetry. The radical anion of mpno is generated in acetone and is adsorbed to the electrode to form an adsorption wave at -0.21 V vs Ag/AgCl electrode. The normal wave appeared at -0.50 V is attributed to the formation of radical anion. The $VO (mpno)_2$ exhibits one oxidation wave at +0.57 V, and two reduction waves at -1.07 V and -1.76 V vs. Ag/AgCl electrode; the oxidation is fully reversible one-electron process ($VO (mpno)_2\;{\leftrightarrow}\;VO(mpno)_2^+ + e).$ The reduction wave at -1.07 V is quasireversible and is arised from the formation of $VO (mpno)_2^-.$ The second reduction wave at -1.76 V is irreversible and this reduction process consists of two one-electron steps. The sulfur containing ligands seem to enhance the stability of lower oxidation state of vanadium while the oxygen or nitrogen donor of the ligands stabilize the higher oxidation state of vanadium when comparisons are made among several oxovanadium complexes.
