Electromeric effects during the base hydrolysis of cobalt(III)–ammine complexes

Abstract

On the basis of an S_N1 CB mechanism, the steric course of the base hydrolysis of cobalt(III)–ammine complexes is discussed. It is suggested that the proportion of the two possible pentaco-ordinate intermediates is affected by π-interactions involving the ligands, a donor group in the equatorial position causing stabilisation. A prediction is made on the pathway of hydrolysis of cyano-, sulphito-, iodo-, and isocyanato-bisethylenediaminecobalt(III) complexes.