Reaction of divalent iron with tetranitromethane in aqueous solution

Abstract

1. The stoichiometry of the reaction of divalent iron with tetranitromethane (TNM) changes from one to two as the Fe2+ concentration increases; this is due to competition between the reactions of Fe2++NO2 and NO2+NO2. 2. The authors have determined the rate constants of the reactions of Fe2++TNM, Fe2++NO2, and Fe2++C(NO2)3−. 3. The authors have calculated the standard reduction potential of TNM in aqueous solution. 4. The rate of the reaction of Fe2++TNM is anomalously low in comparison with the rates of other reactions of oxidation of Fe2+ involving bond rupture in the oxidant molecule.