The kinetics of nitration and nitrosation of 1-methyl-2-phenylindolizine

Abstract

The rate profile for the 4′-nitration of 1-methyl-2-phenylindolizine in aqueous sulphuric acid at 24.9 °C shows that the reaction involves the conjugate acid. The reaction rate (relative to benzene) in 73% sulphuric acid is 1.78 × 10^–2 and the partial rate factor at the 4′-position is 0.10. The kinetic form of the 3-nitrosation of 1-methyl-2-phenylindolizine in aqueous sulphuric acid indicates that the reaction involves the rate-determining attack of dinitrogen trioxide on the neutral molecule of the substrate. The rate coefficient for this reaction is ca. 10⁸ mol^–1 s^–1 dm³ at 24.9 °C.