Equilibria between carboxylic acids and n-butylamine in diethyl ether solution

Abstract

Equilibrium constants are reported for the interaction of n-butylamine with six carboxylic acids in dilute solution in ether at 25°. Under the conditions used the interactions lead to monomeric acid–base adducts of 1 : 1 stoicheiometry. Possible adduct structures are suggested in the light of i.r. evidence.

The equilibrium constant K is related to the acid dissociation constant in water at 25°(K_a) by pK= 1·20pK_a–7·59. The origins of such correlations are discussed.