Synthesis and characterization of polymer supported vitamin B12 model compounds

A series of polymer supported cobalt complexes have been synthesized by the reaction of Co(II)‐SALEN (salicylaldehyde ethylenediimine) and other variations thereof with the chelating resin containing vinyl pyridine. The polymer supported complexes have been characterized by electronic and infrared spectra. The presence of polymer supports has a marked influence on the UV–visible bands observed in the electronic spectra of cobalt complexes. These polymer supported complexes are also investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The electronic spectral data and cyclic voltammetric data for free complexes and polymer supported complexes are compared. The discernible differences in the spectral and electrochemical data suggest the presence of pentacoordinate cobalt in the polymer matrix. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry