A theoretical
protocol based on long-range corrected density functional
theory is suggested for a highly accurate estimation of the two-electron
two-proton (2e2p) reduction potential of ethyl 2-phenylazocarboxylate
derivatives. Geometry optimization and single-point energy refinement
with ωB97X-D are recommended. The impact of polarization and
diffusion functions in the basis sets on the 2e2p reduction potential
is discussed. Further improvements can be achieved by tuning the range-split
parameter based on the linear relationship between the Hammett constant
of phenyl substituents and the optimal ω value that most accurately
reproduces the experiments. The suggested protocol can accurately
predict the 2e2p reduction potential of five ethyl 2-phenylazocarboxylate
derivatives. Based on these findings, 22 additional candidates are
suggested to enlarge the electrochemical window and to increase the
selectivity of 2e2p reactions. This study contributes to the development
of a theoretical approach to accurately estimate the 2e2p reduction
potential of azo groups.
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