Protonation equilibrium of mesitylene in trifluoromethanesulfonic acid

Abstract

The protonation equilibrium of mesitylene in concentrated aqueous solutions of trifluoromethane-sulfonic acid has been studied by UV spectroscopy and the corresponding pK_a value determined using the Mc procedure. The basicity of toluene and benzene in aqueous acid solutions has also been estimated by comparing detritiation rates and dissociation constants of substituted benzenes, which in analogous media exhibit C-protonation.