Isokinetic correlation analysis of the series of electrophilic substitution reactions ofo-substituted phenylmercurials

Abstract

Isokinetic relationships of the series of electrophilic substitution reactions of o-substi- tuted phenylmercurials are studied, and the results show, for the first time, that isokinetic correlation analysis can reveal the dominant factor in the system of the reactions. The analysis of S E 2 of o -substituted phenylmercuric chlorides indicates that the steric effect of o -substituents is the predominant factor when I 2 is used as electrophilic agent, however, the electronic effect of o-substituents would become the predominant factor when HCl is used as the electrophilic agent. In S E 1 of o-substituted phenylmercuric chlorides, the results of the analysis display that the predominant factor is the field effects of o-substituents. The determination of predominant factors in those reactions would provide further scientific basis for those reaction mechanisms.