State-specific ionization rate constant

FIGURE 16.11 Specific and general acid-base catalysis of simple reactions in solution may be distinguished by determining the dependence of observed reaction rate constants (/sobs) pH and buffer concentration, (a) In specific acid-base catalysis, or OH concentration affects the reaction rate, is pH-dependent, but buffers (which accept or donate H /OH ) have no effect, (b) In general acid-base catalysis, in which an ionizable buffer may donate or accept a proton in the transition state, is dependent on buffer concentration. 

At 2000 K and 1 atm, Hollander s state-specific rate constant becomes k. = 1.46 x 1010 exp(-AE/kT) s-1, where AE is the energy required for ionization. For each n-manifold state the fraction ionized by collisions is determined, as well as the fraction transferred to nearby n-manifold states in steps of An = 1. Then the fractions ionized from these nearby n-manifold states are calculated. In this way a total overall ionization rate is evaluated for each photo-excited d state. The total ionization rate always exceeds the state-specific rate, since some of the Na atoms transferred by collisions to the nearby n-manifold states are subsequently ionized. Table I summarizes the values used for the state-specific cross sections and the derived overall ionization and quenching rate constants for each n-manifold state. The required optical transition, ionization, and quenching rates can now be incorporated in the rate equation model. Figure 2 compares the results of the model calculation with the experimental values. 

All mechanisms exhibit first-order kinetics in substrate. Only transition states with considerable carbanion character are considered in this table. "Specific base catalysis predicted if extent of substrate ionization reduced from almost complete. Effect on rate assuming no change in mechanism is caused, as steric factors upon substitution at C-a and C-P have not been considered. The rate predictions are geared to substituent effects such as these giving rise to Hammett reaction constants on P- and a-aryl substitution. Depends on whether ion pair assists in removal of leaving group. 

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