. Can. J. Chem. 56,709(1978). The base hydrolysis of iror~s-[Rh(cyclani)XY] + (cyclan~ = 1,4,8,1 l-tetraazacyclotetradecane; X-and Y-= CI-, Br-, and I-) are studied in aqueous solution over a range of OHconcentration and at various temperatures. The kinetics are done at a constant ionic strength with excess of [OH-] (smallest ratio = 200: 1) so that p s e~~d o first order rate constants are obtained for all the determinations. All of the reactions proceed with complete retention of configuration, and no rrotts-to-cis isomerization is found. The kinetic rrntls effect of these complexes is I -> Br-> C1-on a rate basis, but based on AHq, I -> Br-= CI-. These Rh(II1) con~plexes exhibit kinetic class (b) character on the AHq basis. The results of the rate constants and the activation parameters are interpreted in terms of an SNICB mechanism. The behavior of these complexes is compared to that of the other analogous complexes.
IntroductionThe kinetics of substitution reactions in octahedral six-coordinate transition metal complexes have been extensively investigated and reviewed (1). In general, these octahedral complexes undergo acid hydrolysis and substitution reactions with other ligands at rates which are of the same magnitude and which are independent of the nature and concentration of the incoming group. Only first order kinetics are observed. In marked contrast, the hydroxide ion exhibits distinctly different behavior. Its substitution (base hydrolysis) takes place at a rate that is many orders of magnitude faster than other substitution reactions of these complexes. The base hydrolysis reactions are second order overall, first order with respect to the concentration of the complex and the hydroxide ion.The rate of base hydrolyses of some octahedral