The europium(II) ion reduction of nitrite and nitropenta-amminecobalt(III) ions

Abstract

The kinetics of the reactions between europium(II) perchlorate and nitrous acid, nitro-, nitrito-, and nitrato-penta-amminecobalt(III) complexes have been examined. In all cases the final nitrogen-containing product is nitrous oxide. Nitric oxide and possibly nitroxylic acid are intermediates in the reduction of nitrous acid. There is no evidence for the formation of trans-hyponitrous acid. The europium(II) reduction of nitric oxide is a third-order process, first order in [Eu^II], [NO], and [H⁺]. Co-ordinated nitrite is reduced more slowly than penta-amminecobalt(III), and much more slowly than nitrous acid.