Solvents reaction kinetics, structure effect

Theoretical models available in the literature consider the electron loss, the counter-ion diffusion, or the nucleation process as the rate-limiting steps they follow traditional electrochemical models and avoid any structural treatment of the electrode. Our approach relies on the electro-chemically stimulated conformational relaxation control of the process. Although these conformational movements179 are present at any moment of the oxidation process (as proved by the experimental determination of the volume change or the continuous movements of artificial muscles), in order to be able to quantify them, we need to isolate them from either the electrons transfers, the counter-ion diffusion, or the solvent interchange we need electrochemical experiments in which the kinetics are under conformational relaxation control. Once the electrochemistry of these structural effects is quantified, we can again include the other components of the electrochemical reaction to obtain a complete description of electrochemical oxidation. 

Mechanistic studies have been designed to determine if the concerted cyclic TS provides a good representation of the reaction. A systematic study of all the E- and Z-decene isomers with maleic anhydride showed that the stereochemistry of the reaction could be accounted for by a concerted cyclic mechanism.19 The reaction is only moderately sensitive to electronic effects or solvent polarity. The p value for reaction of diethyl oxomalonate with a series of 1-arylcyclopentenes is —1.2, which would indicate that there is little charge development in the TS.20 The reaction shows a primary kinetic isotope effect indicative of C—H bond breaking in the rate-determining step.21 There is good agreement between measured isotope effects and those calculated on the basis of TS structure.22 These observations are consistent with a concerted process. 

The nucleophile in the S.v2 reactions between benzyldimethylphenylammonium nitrate and sodium para-substituted thiophenoxides in methanol at 20 °C (equation 42) can exist as a free thiophenoxide ion or as a solvent-separated ion-pair complex (equation 43)62,63. The secondary alpha deuterium and primary leaving group nitrogen kinetic isotope effects for these Sjv2 reactions were determined to learn how a substituent on the nucleophile affects the structure of the S.v2 transition state for the free ion and ion-pair reactions64. 

The above separation of charge and geometric progression of the transition state has at least one disturbing consequence. Reaction transition states are commonly characterized by various parameters. These include kinetic isotope effects, the Bransted parameter, and solvent activity coefficients. The question immediately arises do these measures of transition state structure measure charge or geometric progression On the basis of the previous discussion, they can, at best, measure one but not both of these parameters. Let us first consider the Bransted parameter a. 

T he epoxidation of olefins using organic hydroperoxides has been studied in detail in this laboratory for a number of years. This general reaction has also recently been reported by other workers (6,7). We now report on the effects of five reaction variables and propose a mechanism for this reaction. The variables are catalyst, solvent, temperature, olefin structure, and hydroperoxide structure. Besides these variables, the effect of oxygen and carbon monoxide, the stereochemistry, and the kinetics were studied. This work allows us to postulate a possible mechanism for the reaction. 

The ultraviolet irradiation of halogenonitrobenzenes dissolved in ethyl ether or tetrahy-drofuran leads to an increase in the electrical conductivity of the solution relaxation of the conductivity is observed after the irradiation is stopped384. The kinetics appeared to be complicated the structure of the compound, its concentration, the nature of the solvent, the temperature, the time of irradiation as well as the light intensity had an influence on the effects. The photodegradation of three nitrochlorobenzene isomers in pure water and river water under irradiation follows first-order reaction kinetics the rate constants for the three isomers decrease in the order p-> o-> m-nitrochlorobenzene385. 

This solvation rule for 5n2 reactions can be useful in predicting the influence of a change in solvent on the structure of activated complexes. It is in agreement with studies involving leaving group heavy atom and secondary a-deuterium kinetic isotope effects, as well as theoretical calculations of solvent effects on transition-state structures. Possible limitations of this solvation rule have been discussed see [498] and relevant references cited therein. 

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