The acid-catalysed reactions of transition-metal complexes. Part V. The mechanism of the acid-catalysed aquations of a series of cis- and trans-diacidobisethylenediaminecobalt(III) salts

Abstract

The acid-catalysed aquations of cis[Co en₂(N₃)₂]⁺ and cis and trans[Co en₂(NO₂)₂]⁺ ions have been studied over a wide range of acid concentration. The results, together with those for several other systems, have been analysed by various methods. The results indicate that at the higher acid concentrations studied these cations all aquate via a unimolecular dissociation of the protonated complex. At lower acid concentrations it is difficult to distinguish between the S_N1 CA and S_N2CA mechanisms.