Aquation of tris-[1,10-phenanthroline]iron(II) complexes in t-butyl alcohol–water mixtures

Abstract

Rates of acid aquation of several substituted tris-(1,10-phenanthroline)iron(II) complexes have been determined in aqueous t-butyl alcohol. Variation of rate constant with solvent composition and with nature of the ligand substituent and of the anion has been investigated. Activation parameters for aquation of the 5-nitro-complex have been obtained over a range of aqueous t-butyl alcohol solvent compositions. Results are discussed in terms of the effect of t-butyl alcohol on the structure of the water in aqueous t-butyl alcohol, and the consequent effects on rates and mechanism of aquation.