Solvent effects on SN2 transition state structure. II: The effect of ion pairing on the solvent effect on transition state structure

Abstract

Identical secondary α-deuterium kinetic isotope effects (transition state structures) in the SN2 reaction between n-butyl chloride and a free thiophenoxide ion in aprotic and protic solvents confirm the validity of the Solvation Rule for SN2 Reactions. These isotope effects also suggest that hydrogen bonding from the solvent to the developing chloride ion in the SN2 transition state does not have a marked effect on the magnitude of the chlorine (leaving group) kinetic isotope effects. Unlike the free ion reactions, the secondary α-deuterium kinetic isotope effect (transition state structure) for the SN2 reaction between n-butyl chloride and the solvent-separated sodium thiophenoxide ion pair complex is strongly solvent dependent. These completely different responses to a change in solvent are rationalized by an extension to the Solvation Rule for SN2 Reactions. Finally, the loosest transition state in the reactions with the solvent-separated ion pair complex is found in the solvent with the smallest dielectric constant. Keywords: ion pairs, transition state, solvent effects, nucleophilic substitution, isotope effects.