The decomposition of triethyloxonium salts in solution

Abstract

A kinetic study in vacua of the decomposition of triethyloxonium salts [OEt₃]A {A^–=(1)[BF₄]^–, (2)[PF₆]^– or, (3)[SbF₆]^–} in methylene dichloride has shown that the ΔH^‡ and ΔS^‡ values are strongly influenced by the presence in the solution of diethyl ether or 1, 3-dioxolan. The decompositions, of first order, have been followed by monitoring the electrical conductivity or the formation of ethyl fluoride, or both. The mechanism of decomposition without and with the oxygen compound is discussed. A method of preparing and purifying (1)in vacuo is described.