Competitive interactions in the complexing of ethylene with silver(I) salt solutions

Abstract

Conditions which maximise silver(I)–olefin interactions are not suitable for obtaining comparative equilibrium data. Measurements of ethylene absorption efficiencies at 20 °C (C₂H₄: Ag^I ratios) in aqueous silver(I) nitrate, trifluoroacetate, and perchlorate solutions are reported over a pressure and concentration range and with added acid and sodium salts; some results are also given for glycol solutions. The trends in absorption efficiencies are correlated with silver(I)–anion interactions in competition with silver(I)–solvent interactions and with the structure-making influence of ions on the solvent. Single effects cannot explain the experimental observations. Some previous results are reinterpreted, making allowances for anion and solvent effects.