Reaction of cobaltic perchlorate with benzene in aqueous perchloric acid

Abstract

In the slow reaction of cobaltic ions with benzene any variation with acidity involves only the cobaltic ion. The rate-determining step is the initial attack of cobaltic ions on benzene and the rate of disappearance of cobaltic ion in the presence of excess benzene is first order in [benzene] and first order in [cobaltic ion]. The bimolecular rate constant k varies with acidity according to k=k₁+k₂/[H⁺], and this is interpreted as the reaction of the aquocobaltic ion and its first hydrolysis product. Energies of activation and temperature-independent factors are derived and discussed in terms of the composition of the transition state. The spectra of the products are consistent with the presence of p-benzoquinone and muconic acid.