The interpretation of quantitative linear correlations. Substituent effects on the properties of naphthalene and its derivatives

Abstract

A recently proposed theoretical model for quantitative linear correlation analysis, which involves a major modification to the physical interpretation usually given to each of the parameters in the dual substituent parameter expression ρ_I(σ_I+λσ_R), is tested by application to substituent effects on the properties of naphthalene and its derivatives. The model is shown to be capable of accounting for the variation in precision of quantitative linear correlations among substituent effects on the four properties for which adequate experimental data are available, and of interpreting in a self-consistent way the variations in the values of ρ_I and λ as the nature of the property and the disposition of the substituent site and the probe site are changed. In these respects it appears to be superior to other models in current use. It is concluded that the novel interpretations of ρ_I and λ, and hence of σ_I and σ_R, provided by the model are strongly supported by the results of the present study.