Isomerisation of cis- and trans-aquonitrobis(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) cations in aqueous solution

Abstract

The rate of isomerisation of the aquonitrobis(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) perchlorates was found to be independent of pH. The pH range studied was such that the complex varied from being present completely as the aquo-complex to being present entirely as the hydroxo-complex. Mechanisms such as isomerisation through water exchange are therefore eliminated, and it is suggested that the rearrangement is intramolecular, involving as an intermediate a bidentate nitro- or nitrito-group.