Molecular complexes. Part II. Kinetic studies of reactions of tetracyanoethylene with benz[a]anthracene and 9-bromo- and 9,10-dibromoanthracene

Abstract

Solvent effects on reactions of tetracyanoethylene with aromatic donors have been investigated. Increasing solvent polarity results in smaller association constants for initial molecular complex formation, but in turn, enhances the rate of subsequent Diels–Alder reactions. Corrections for competitive solvent–solute complexation are considered. The kinetic measurements are in accord with a slightly polar transition state leading to the final Diels–Alder adduct.