Kinetics and mechanism of the base hydrolysis of some trans-dihalogeno(cyclam)rhodium(III) complexes
The base hydrolysis of trans-[Rh(cyclam)XY]+ (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane; X− and Y− = Cl−, Br−, and I−) are studied in aqueous solution over a range of OH− concentration and at various temperatures. The kinetics are done at a constant ionic strength with excess of [OH−] (smallest ratio = 200:1) so that pseudo first order rate constants are obtained for all the determinations. All of the reactions proceed with complete retention of configuration, and no trans-to-cis isomerization is found. The kinetic trans effect of these complexes is I− > Br− > Cl− on a rate basis, but based on ΔH≠, I− > Br− = Cl−. These Rh(III) complexes exhibit kinetic class (b) character on the ΔH≠ basis. The results of the rate constants and the activation parameters are interpreted in ternis of an SN1CB mechanism. The behavior of these complexes is compared to that of the other analogous complexes.