Reactions of metal complexes in solution. Part I. The acid-catalysed aquation of trans-dinitrotetramminecobalt(III) nitrate
Abstract
The acid-catalysed aquation of trans-[Co(NH3)4(NO2)2]NO3 has been studied over a temperature range from 25 to 40° at an ionic strength of 2·5M. Under the conditions of acidity used ([H+]= 0·1–2·5M) the rate results can be interpreted in terms of reactions involving the two conjugate acid ions [Co(NH3)4(NO2)(NO2H)]2+ and [Co(NH3)4(NO2H)2]3+. Energies and entropies of activation have been calculated for the reactions and are Ea= 26·2 ± 1·0 kcal./mole; ΔSx= 7·1 ± 3 e.u., and Ea= 18·0 ± 1·0 kcal./mole; ΔSx=–20 ± 4 e.u., respectively. The mechanisms of these reactions are discussed.