title: Rate-limiting proton-transfer in the sigma-adduct forming reactions of 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene and 4-nitrobenzofuroxan with substituted anilines in dimethyl sulfoxide.
abstract: Kinetic and equilibrium results are compared for the reactions in dimethyl sulfoxide of 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, 1, and 4-nitrobenzofuroxan, 4, with a series of substituted anilines in the presence of Dabco or in, some cases, quinuclidine. pKa values for the corresponding anilinium ions are reported. The reactions of 1and 4 are likely to proceed through nucleophilic attack by the aniline to yield zwitterionic intermediates which may transfer an acidic proton to the bases present to yield the anionic adducts 9 or 12 respectively. In the formation of 9 from 1 the proton transfer step is rate-limiting; however, the slower interconversion of 4 and its zwitterion leads to only partial rate-limiting proton transfer in the formation of 12. Results with substituted anilines including 2-substituted and N-methyl aniline indicate that steric effects are not a major factor in determining rates of proton-transfer in these systems. Contrary to previous reports no evidence was found for a strong interaction between 1 and Dabco in DMSO.
authors.affiliation: Chemistry Department, Durham University, Durham, UKDH1 3LE.
authors.forename: Basim H M
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Asghar
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Crampton