We describe a cobalt(III) complex bearing a phosphinoamine ligand, [Cp*Co(1,2‐Ph2PC6H4NH2)(Cl)]Cl (1), as a proton reduction catalyst which is not only electrochemically active but also delivers good photocatalytic performance. In a system containing semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) and ascorbic acid, complex 1 achieves proton reduction, producing H2 with a turnover number >10000 and an apparent quantum yield of 5.51 % at 450 nm. The important role of the nitrogen basic site in the cobalt first coordination sphere is demonstrated by the difference in the reactivity of two cobalt complexes 1 and [Cp*Co(1,2‐Ph2PC6H4N(Me)2)(Cl)]Cl (2), in which the latter, with a tertiary amine leads to a lower turnover number of circa 6000 for proton reduction.
The Cover Feature illustrates a cobalt(III) half‐sandwich complex bearing a phosphinoamine ligand. The complex is not only electrochemically active for proton reduction but also exhibits good photocatalytic performance. More information can be found in the Communication by Z. Yang et al. on page 220 in Issue 5, 2019 (DOI: 10.1002/cptc.201800246).
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