Applications of Linear Free Energy Relationships to Polycyclic Arenes and to Heterocyclic Compounds

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is briefly to review the application of the Hammett equation, the extended Hammett equation,† and related linear free energy relationships to polycyclic arenes and to heterocyclic compounds. No comprehensive review of the application of linear free energy relationships to polynuclear aromatic systems exists. Wells et al. 1 have described the application of the extended Hammett equation to substituted naphthalene series, and Zuman2 has reviewed the application of the Hammett equation to Polarographic data for condensed polycyclic aromatic compounds. No other specialized reviews of this area are available. For heterocyclic compounds, an excellent comprehensive review by Jaffe and Jones3 appeared in 1964. Since then, Tomasik has published an extensive review (1971)4 and a monograph (1974)5 on the application of linear free energy relationships to heterocyclic compounds. Unfortunately, both of these works are in Polish, and thus are not readily accessible to most English-speaking chemists. Zuman2 has reviewed the application of the Hammett equation to Polarographic data for mono- and polycyclic heterocyclic compounds. It is clear then, that there is a real need for a review dealing with polycyclic arenes and with heterocyclic compounds.