Reactions of cobalt(III) complexes. Part II. Degradation of co-ordinated salicylate

Abstract

The syntheses, properties, and interconversions (using nitric acid) of salts of the cations salicylato- and 5-nitro-salicylato-bisethylenediaminecobalt(III) are outlined. Their resolutions into enantiomers are described, with the Cotton effects of the products. The pK of the co-ordinated salicylate is measured by using circular dichroism. The conversion of the salicylato- and 5-nitrosalicylato-ligands to the oxalate ligand of the oxalatobisethylenediaminocobalt(III) cation is outlined. Comments are made on possible intermediates and a partial mechanism deduced from the racemic nature of the oxalato-product.