Absence of stereoselectivity in complexes of optically active and racemic 1,2-diamines

Abstract

Free-energy and enthalpy changes accompanying the formation of some copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes of a number of optically pure and racemic 1,2-diamines have been measured at 25° and I 0·1M using potentiometric and calorimetric methods. In no case is there any significant difference (1·5 kJ mol^–1) between either the free-energy or enthalpy changes accompanying formation of the optically pure, e.g.[M(+L)₂²⁺], and racemic, e.g.[M(+L)-(–L)²⁺] complexes.