Substitution at saturated carbon. Part 22. Rate constants for the substitution of tetraethyltin by mercury(II) carboxylates in t-butyl alcohol, acetonitrile, acetone, and ethyl acetate

Abstract

Rate constants are reported for the reactions between tetraethyltin and mercury carboxylates [Hg(O₂CR)₂] in t-butyl alcohol, acetonitrile, acetone, and ethyl acetate. When the group R contains a –I group (R = CH₂Cl, CH₂OMe, or CH₂CH₂Cl) the rate constants are greater in all solvents than with R = Me. When R = Et or Bu^t rate constants are generally lower than with R = Me except in acetonitrile. It is suggested that in all the above solvents, as well as in methanol, there is dominant electrophilic attack of the mercury(II) carboxylate on the tetraethyltin.