Metal halides dissociation kinetics

The next question which presents itself is whether we can explain why in some systems solvent co-catalysis occurs, whereas in others, apparently similar, it does not. Let it be said first that in fact there is very little experimental evidence on this point. From the thermochemical point of view one can say that alkyl halide co-catalysis is the more probable, the lower the heterolytic bond dissociation energy of the alkyl halide, the more stable the cation derived from the monomer, and the smaller the anion derived from the metal halide. It must, however, be remembered that the non-occurrence of alkyl halide co-catalysis may be due to a kinetic prohibition, i.e., an excessively high activation energy for a reaction which is thermodynamically possible. 

Kinetics of Dissociation of Metal Halides in Non-Thermal Plasma Distribution of Halides over Oxidation Degrees... 

The dependence of rate constants for approach to equilibrium for reaction of the mixed oxide-sulfide complex [Mo3((i3-S)((i-0)3(H20)9] 1+ with thiocyanate has been analyzed into formation and aquation contributions. These reactions involve positions trans to p-oxo groups, mechanisms are dissociative (391). Kinetic and thermodynamic studies on reaction of [Mo3MS4(H20)io]4+ (M = Ni, Pd) with CO have yielded rate constants for reaction with CO. These were put into context with substitution by halide and thiocyanate for the nickel-containing cluster (392). A review of the chemistry of [Mo3S4(H20)9]4+ and related clusters contains some information on substitution in mixed metal derivatives [Mo3MS4(H20)re]4+ (M = Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Pd) (393). There are a few asides of mechanistic relevance in a review of synthetic Mo-Fe-S clusters and their relevance to nitrogenase (394). 

Rh > Ir > Ni > Pd > Co > Ru > Fe A plot of the relation between the catalytic activity and the affinity of the metals for halide ion resulted in a volcano shape. The rate determining step of the reaction was discussed on the basis of this affinity and the reaction order with respect to methyl iodide. Methanol was first carbonylated to methyl acetate directly or via dimethyl ether, then carbonylated again to acetic anhydride and finally quickly hydrolyzed to acetic acid. Overall kinetics were explored to simulate variable product profiles based on the reaction network mentioned above. Carbon monoxide was adsorbed weakly and associatively on nickel-activated-carbon catalysts. Carbon monoxide was adsorbed on nickel-y-alumina or nickel-silica gel catalysts more strongly and, in part, dissociatively,... 

However, from many observations and thermodynamic calculations this oxide reduction is not the only atomization mechanism coming into question. Three possible atomization mechanisms have been deduced from the activation energy values EJ obtained by a thermodynamic/kinetic approach (i) Thermal dissociation of the oxide (ii) Thermal dissociation of the halide (iii) Reduction of the oxide on hot graphite with subsequent volatilization of the metal. Later Sturgeon and Chakrabarti refined this procedure and proposed four different mechanisms ... 

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