Proton transfer between 2,6-di-t-butylpyridine and its conjugate acid in an aprotic solvent

Abstract

The Kinetics of the title reaction have been studied by n.m.r. line shape analysis of the singnals due to the t-butyl group protons in the tworeaction partners, with the conclusion that in this sterically-hindered system proton transfer from the Pyridinium ion to the halide ion within a contact ion pair is a rate-limiting process, without any evidence for proton tunnelling according to usual criteria.