Meisenheimer Complex Formation Between 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene and Hydroxide Ion. Equilibrium Constants for the Dimethylformamide–Water Solvent System

Abstract

Sigma-complex formation between 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB) and hydroxide ion has been studied quantitatively as a function of medium composition for part of the dimethylformamide (DMF)–water solvent system by spectrophotometric methods. Only a 1:1 complex is detected under the conditions of measurement, with [TNB] ≥ [OH−]. The equilibrium constant (Keq) for complex formation in 22 mol % DMF has the value 3 × 10−3 l mol−1, compared with 3 l mol−1 in purely aqueous medium. Further increases in Kcq occur as the DMF content of the medium is raised; in 50 mol % DMF Keq ≈ 105, but reliable Keq values could not be obtained in this region of medium composition. The increase in Keq with increasing DMF content is interpreted largely on the basis of hydroxide ion desolvation.