Complex formation by N-substituted acetoacetamides-I: Acid dissociation constants and stability constants of the beryllium complexes

Abstract

A number of derivatives of acetoacetamide have been examined as chelating agents. Using the glass electrode, the acid dissociation constants have been determined in 50 per cent dioxane (v/v) and the stability constants of their beryllium complexes measured. The variation of pK a with N-substituent is interpreted in terms of electronic and steric effects. The variation of stability constants shows that the chelating power is related to the basic strength of the enolate ion for a series of structurally similar compounds.