Cobalt III ammine azides

Isothermal studies at 370—420 K have been made of the kinetics of decomposition of [Co(NH3)6](N3)3, [Co(NH3)5(N3)](N3)2 and both cis-and frarcs-[Co(NH3)4(N3)2](N3) [1120]. Results are interpreted as indicating the operation of a common reaction mechanism which is not greatly influenced by either the constituents or the stereochemistry of the complex cation. The reactions of all four compounds may yield either CoN or Co(NH3)2(N3)2 as the residual product the alternative decompositions may be represented as 

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Joyner [76], reviewing a series of comparable kinetic studies of four solid cobalt(III) ammine azides, discussed the factors that determine the two alternative decomposition processes that yield either product CoN or cobalt(II) complexes. He concluded that the mechanisms are "independent of the nature of the cation, the nature of the salt and properties dependent on crystal structure." From a very careful appraisal of the evidence, he concluded that the course of the reaction is determined by "the very early interplay between the CoN and cobalt(II) reactions." This conclusion emphasizes the subtlety of the factors controlling decomposition behaviour. 

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