Darstellung,Kristallstruktur, Schwingungsspektren und Normalkoordinatenanalyse von [Co(NH3)6][Os(SCN)6]

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Vibrational Spectra, and Normal Coordinate Analysis of [Co(NH₃)₆][Os(SCN)₆] From the mixture of the linkage isomers [Os(NCS)_n(SCN)_6–n]^3–, n = 0–2, pure [Os(SCN)₆]^3– has been isolated by ion exchange chromatography on diethylaminoethyl cellulose. The X‐ray structure determination on a single crystal of [Co(NH₃)₆][Os(SCN)₆] (trigonal, space group R 3, a = 12.368(2), c = 11.830(2) Å, Z = 3) reveals that the thiocyanate ligands are exclusively S‐coordinated with the Os–S distance of 2.388 Å and the Os–S–C angle of 108.8°. The IR and Raman spectra of (n‐Bu₄N)₃[Os(SCN)₆] are assigned by normal coordinate analysis based on the molecular parameters of the X‐ray determination. The valence force constant f_d(OsS) is 1.42 mdyn/Å.     

Darstellung und spektroskopische Charakterisierung der reinen Bindungsisomeren [OsCl5(NCS)]2− und [OsCl5(SCN)]2−

Preparation and Spectroscopic Characterization of the Pure Bondisomers [OsCl₅(NCS)]^2? and [OsCl₅(SCN)]^2? The oxidation of [OsCl₅I]^2? with (SCN)₂ in CH₂Cl₂ yields the bondisomers [OsCl₅(NCS)]^2? and [OsCl₅(SCN)]^2?, which are isolated as pure compounds by ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Cellulose. Only the salts of the N-isomer show significant shifts in the vibrational and electronic spectra caused by polarization of the terminal S depending on the size of the cations and the polarity of the solvents. In the IR and Raman spectra ν_CN(S), ν_CS(N) and δ_NCS are found at higher wave numbers than ν_CN(N), ν_CS(S) and δ_SCN. In the optical spectrum of the red [OsCl₅(SCN)]^2? the charge-transfer S→Os is nearly constant at 538 nm, but the N→Os transition of the yellow to violet coloured N-isomer shifts from 480 nm in organic solvents or in presence of large alkylammonium cations to 516 nm in aqueous solution and to 544 nm in the solid Cs-salt. The optical electronegativities are calculated to χ_opt(–SCN) = 2.6 and χ_opt(–NCS) = 2.6–2.8. According to spinorbit coupling and to lowered symmetry (C_4v) the splitted intraconfigurational transitions are observed at 10 K as weak peaks in the regions 600, 1000 and 2000 nm. The O? O transitions are calculated from the vibrational fine structure. The lowest level of both isomers is confirmed by peaks in the electronic raman spectra. With the parameters ζ(Os^IV) = 3200 cm^?1 and B(? SCN) = 316 cm^?1 or B(? NCS) = 288 cm^?1 there is a good fit of calculated and experimental data, resulting in the nephelauxetic series: F^? > CI^? > SCN^? > Br^? > NCS^? > I^?.     

Synthesis,characterization and some reactions of trans-[Co(NH3)4(CH3NH2)Br]2+ and trans-[Co(NH3)4(CH3NH2)(NO3)]2+ complexes

The preparation of trans-[Co(NH₃)₄(CH₃NH₂)Br]²⁺ and trans-[Co(NH₃)₄(CH₃NH₂)-(NO₃)]²⁺ complexes is described. The UV-VIS spectra of the complexes indicate a decrease of the ligand field compared to the parent pentaammines. Infrared spectra match with the pattern of the corresponding pentaammines. The catalyzed (by Hg²⁺) aquation of the trans-bromomethylamine complex go under retention of the stereochemical configuration. The base hydrolysis (studied at 25°C) products show trans to cis rearrangement for both complexes. ¹H NMR spectroscopy is used for identification of the stereochemical configuration of the compounds.     

Electronic structure and spectra of [Ru(NH3)5pyz]2+ and [(NH3)5Ru-pyz-Ru(NH3)5]4+

The electronic structure and spectra of [Ru(NH₃)₅pyz]²⁺ and [(NH₃)₅Ru-pyz-Ru(NH₃)₅]⁴⁺ are calculated by the INDO (CINDO-E/S) method. Changes in molecular orbitals, charge distributions, and bond order indices of the pyrazine molecule and [Ru(NH₃)₅pyz]²⁺ complex in the [(NH₃)₅Ru-pyz-Ru(NH₃)₅]⁴⁺ binuclear complex are analyzed. St. Petersburg State University. Translated fromZhurnal Strukturnoi Khimii, Vol. 35, No. 4, pp. 12–23, July–August, 1994. Translated by. O. Kharlamova     

Kristallstrukturen,Schwingungsspektren und Normalkoordinatenanalysen von (n-Bu4N)2[ReBr5(NCS)] und (n-Bu4N)2[ReBr5(NCSe)]

Crystal Structures, Vibrational Spectra, and Normal Coordinate Analysis of ( n -Bu₄N)₂[ReBr₅(NCS)] and ( n -Bu₄N)₂[ReBr₅(NCSe)] The X-ray structure determinations on single crystals of (n-Bu₄N)₂[ReBr₅(NCS)] ( 1 ) (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a = 10.9860(9), b = 11.6860(7), c = 35.551(3) Å, β = 91.960(9)°, Z = 4) and (n-Bu₄N)₂[ReBr₅(NCSe)] ( 2 ) (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a = 11.0208(15), b = 11.7418(16), c = 35.621(12) Å, β = 92.003(18)°, Z = 4) reveal that the thiocyanate and the selenocyanate group are bonded with the Re–N–C angle of 168.5° ( 1 ) and 169.9° ( 2 ). Based on the molecular parameters of the X-ray determinations the IR and Raman spectra have been assigned by normal coordinate analysis. The valence force constants f_d(ReN) are 1.81 ( 1 ) and 1.75 mdyn/Å ( 2 ).     

Li+ cation coordination in [Li2(CF3SO3)2(diglyme)] and [Li3(C2F3O2)3(diglyme)]

The title compounds, poly­[[[bis(2‐methoxy­ethyl) ether]­lithium(I)]‐di‐μ₃‐tri­fluoro­methanesulfonato‐lithium(I)], [Li₂(CF₃SO₃)₂(C₆H₁₄O₃)]_n, and poly­[[[bis(2‐methoxy­ethyl) ether]­lithium(I)]‐di‐μ₃‐tri­fluoro­acetato‐dilithium(I)‐μ₃‐tri­fluoro­acetato], [Li₃(C₂F₃O₂)₃(C₆H₁₄O₃)]_n, consist of one‐dimensional polymer chains. Both structures contain five‐coordinate Li⁺ cations coordinated by a tridentate diglyme [bis(2‐methoxy­ethyl) ether] mol­ecule and two O atoms, each from separate anions. In both structures, the [Li(diglyme)X₂]^? (X is CF₃SO₃ or CF₃CO₂) fragments are further connected by other Li⁺ cations and anions, creating one‐dimensional chains. These connecting Li⁺ cations are coordinated by four separate anions in both compounds. The CF₃SO₃^? and CF₃CO₂^? anions, however, adopt different forms of cation coordination, resulting in differences in the connectivity of the structures and solvate stoichiometries.     

Kristallstrukturen,Schwingungsspektren und Normalkoordinatenanalyse von (n‐Bu4N)2[Os(NCS)6] und (n‐Bu4N)3[Os(NCS)6]

Crystal Structure, Vibrational Spectra, and Normal Coordinate Analysis of ( n ‐Bu₄N)₂[Os(NCS)₆] and ( n ‐Bu₄N)₃[Os(NCS)₆] By tempering the solid mixture of the linkage isomers (n‐Bu₄N)₃[Os(NCS)_n(SCN)_6–n] n = 0–5 for a longer time at temperatures increasing from 60 to 140 °C the homoleptic (n‐Bu₄N)₃[Os(NCS)₆] is formed, which on oxidation with (NH₄)₂[Ce(NO₃)₆] in acetone yields the corresponding Os^IV complex (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Os(NCS)₆]. X‐ray structure determinations on single crystals of (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Os(NCS)₆] (1) (triclinic, space group P 1, a = 12.596(5), b = 12.666(5), c = 16.026(5) Å, α = 88.063(5), β = 80.439(5), γ = 88.637(5)°, Z = 2) and (n‐Bu₄N)₃[Os(NCS)₆] ( 2 ) (cubic, space group Pa 3, a = 24.349(4) Å, Z = 8) have been performed. The nearly linear thiocyanate groups are coordinated with Os–N–C angles of 172.3–177.7°. Based on the molecular parameters of the X‐ray determinations the IR and Raman spectra are assigned by normal coordinate analysis. The valence force constant f_d(OsN) is 2.3 ( 1 ) and 2.10 mdyn/Å ( 2 ).     

The polymer [OsCl2 (cod)]x as a route to hydrazine- and hydrazone-osmium(II) complexes; The crystal structure of [Os(cod)(CNBut)2(NH2NCMe2)2] (BPh4)2·(acetone)2

The salts, [OsCl(cod)(NH₂NR₂)₃]X (R = H, X = BPh₄; R = Me, X = PF₆) and [Os(cod)(NH₂NH₂)₄](BPh₄)₂, formed from [OsCl₂(cod)]_x and hydrazines, can be converted into a range of hydrazine- and hydrazone-osmium(II) complexes with isocyanides and tertiary phosphorus ligands. The crystal structure of [Os(cod)(CNBu^t)₂(NH₂NCMe₂)₂](BPh₄)₂·(acetone)₂ has been elucidated.     

Double complexes [Co(NH3)5(H2O)]2[Zr3F18]·6H2O and [Co(NH3)6]2[Zr3F18]·6H2O

The structures of orthorhombic bis[pentaammineaquacobalt(III)] tetra‐μ₂‐fluorido‐tetradecafluoridotrizirconium(IV) hexahydrate (space group Ibam), [Co(NH₃)₅(H₂O)]₂[Zr₃F₁₈]·6H₂O, (I), and bis[hexaamminecobalt(III)] tetra‐μ₂‐fluorido‐tetradecafluoridotrizirconium(IV) hexahydrate (space group Pnna), [Co(NH₃)₆]₂[Zr₃F₁₈]·6H₂O, (II), consist of complex [Co(NH₃)_x(H₂O)_y]³⁺ cations with either m [in (I)] or and 2 [in (II)] symmetry, [Zr₃F₁₈]⁶⁻ anionic chains located on sites with 222 [in (I)] or 2 [in (II)] symmetry, and water molecules.     

Darstellung,Mössbauer- und Schwingungsspektren der Komplexe [SnCl4F]⊖, [SnCl4(NCS)]⊖ und [SnCl4(NCS)2]2⊖

Preparation, Mössbauer and Vibrational Spectra of the Complexes [SnCl₄F]^?, [SnCl₄(NCS)]^?, and [SnCl₄(NCS)₂]^2? N(CH₂)₄F and N(CH₂)₄SCN react in liquid SO₂ with SnCl₄ yielding the adducts [N(CH₃)₄][SnCl₄F] (I), [N(CH₃)₄][SnCl₄(NCS)] (II) and [N(CH₃)₄]₂[SnCl₄(NCS)₂] (III).respectively. Mössbauer and vibrational spectra indicate for the anion of I a fluoro-bridged species, which is probably tetrameric like the isoelectronic SbCl₄F. For II dimeric moieties are proposed with bridging S-atoms, while [SnCl₄(NCS)₂]^2? has an octahedral structure with N-bonded isothiocyanate groups in the trans-positions.     

Solvolysis Products of the Types [RhMeL2(Me3[9]aneN3)]2+ and [RuCl3—XLX(Me3[9]aneN3)](x)+ (x = 1‐2) and Preparation and Structure of [Ru([9]aneS3)(Me3[9]aneN3)](CF3SO3)2

Solvolysis of [RhMe(CF₃SO₃)₂(Me₃[9]aneN₃)] ( 1 ) (Me₃[9]aneN₃ = 1, 4, 7‐trimethyl‐1, 4, 7‐triazacyclononane) in CH₃CN, DMSO or pyrazole (L) leads to substitution of both trifluoromethylsulfonate ligands and formation of the cationic complexes [RhMeL₂(Me₃[9]aneN₃)](CF₃SO₃)₂ 3—5 . In contrast, treatment of [RuCl₃(Me₃[9]aneN₃)] ( 2 ) with Ag(CF₃SO₃) in a 1:3 ratio for 2h in CH₃CN leads to formation of the tetranuclear complex [{RuCl₃(Me₃[9]aneN₃)}₂Ag₂(CF₃SO₃)(CH₃CN)](CF₃SO₃) · CH₃CN ( 6 ) with a novel [(RuCl₃)₂Ag₂] core. More forcing conditions enable the substitution of respectively one or two chloride ligands by CH₃CN (reflux 18h) or DMF (85°C, 1h) to afford [RuCl₂(CH₃CN)(Me₃[9]aneN₃)](CF₃SO₃) ( 7 ) and [RuCl(DMF)₂(Me₃[9]aneN₃)](CF₃SO₃)₂ ( 8 ). The heteroleptic sandwich complex [Ru([9]aneS₃)(Me₃[9]aneN₃)](CF₃SO₃)₂ ( 9 ) can be prepared by reduction of 2 with Zn powder in acetone in the presence of 3 equiv. of Ag(CF₃SO₃), followed by addition of [9]aneS₃ (1, 4, 7‐trithiacyclononane). The redox potential E°(Ru³⁺/Ru²⁺) of +1.87 V vs NHE for 9 is only —0.12 V lower than that of the homoleptic complex [Ru([9]aneS₃)₂]²⁺. Crystal structures are reported for 3 — 9 .     

Synthesen und Charakterisierungen der ersten Tris‐ und Tetrakis(trifluormethyl)palladate(II) und ‐platinate(II), [M(CF3)3(PPh3)]— und [M(CF3)4]2— (M = Pd,Pt)

Syntheses and Characterizations of the First Tris and Tetrakis(trifluoromethyl) Palladates(II) and Platinates(II), [M(CF₃)₃(PPh₃)]^— and [M(CF₃)₄]^2— (M = Pd, Pt) Tris(trifluoromethyl)(triphenylphosphino)palladate(II) and platinate(II), [M(CF₃)₃PPh₃]^—, and the tetrakis(trifluoromethyl)metallates, [M(CF₃)₄]^2— (M = Pd, Pt), are prepared from the reactions of [MCl₂(PPh₃)₂] and Me₃SiCF₃ / [Me₄N]F or [I(CF₃)₂]^— salts in good yields. [Me₄N][M(CF₃)₃(PPh₃)] crystallize isotypically in the orthorhombic space group Pnma (no. 62) with Z = 4. The NMR spectra of the new compounds are described.     

Darstellung und spektroskopische Charakterisierung der reinen Bindungsisomeren [ReX5(NCS)]2− und [ReX5(SCN)]2−, X = Cl,Br

Preparation and Spectroscopic Characterization of the Pure Bondisomers [ReX₅(NCS)]^2? and [ReX₅(SCN)]^2?, X = Cl, Br The treatment of (TBA)₂[ReBr₆] with NaSCN in acetone or of (TBA)₂[ReCl₅I] with AgSCN in CH₂Cl₂ yields mixtures of the bondisomers [ReBr₅(NCS)]^2?/[ReBr₅(SCN)]^2? or [ReCl₅(NCS)]^2?/[ReCl₅(SCN)]^2?, which are isolated as pure compounds by ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Cellulose. The i.r. and Raman spectra are assigned according to local symmetry C_4v. The bondisomers are significantly distinguished by the frequencies of inner ligand vibrations: ν_CN(S) > ν_CN(N), ν_CS(N) > ν_CS(S), δ_NCS > δ_SCN. The electronic absorption spectra measured at 10 K exhibit in the region 6000 to 16000 cm^?1 all intraconfigurational transitions (t) splitted into Kramers dubletts by lowered symmetry (C_4v) and spin orbit coupling. The O? O transitions are deduced from vibrational fine structure. The charge transfer spectra of the bondisomers in the UV/VIS region are similar to those of the corresponding hexahalorhenates(IV).     

Di-μ-sulfato-μ-hydroxo-bis[triamminkobalt(III)]- und Di-μ-selenato-μ-hydroxo-bis[triamminkobalt(III)]-Komplexe

Preparation and properties of two new complexes containing the cations [Co₂{(SO₄)₂(OH)}(NH₃)₆]⁺ and [Co₂{(SeO₄)₂(OH)}(NH₃)₆]⁺ are described. The absorption spectra in the infrared. visible and ultraviolet region are reported and discussed.     

Kristallstruktur,Schwingungsspektren und Normalkoordinatenanalyse von K2[IrCl5(NH3)]

Crystal Structure, Vibrational Spectra, and Normal Coordinate Analysis of K₂[IrCl₅(NH₃)] The X-ray structure determination of K₂[IrCl₅(NH₃)] (orthorhombic, space group Pnma, a = 13.426(4), b = 10.015(2), c = 6.8717(7) Å, Z = 4) revealed the C_s point symmetry of the complex anion [IrCl₅(NH₃)]^2? (Ir? Cl = 2.337–2.365, Ir? N = 2.067(10); N? H = 0.73–0.79 Å). Using the molecular parameters the IR and Raman spectra are assigned by normal coordinate analysis. The valence force constants are f_d(NH) = 5.88, f_d(IrN) = 2.66, f_d(IrCl) = 1.68 mdyn/Å.     

Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von NH4[Si(NH3)F5] und [Si(NH3)2F4]

Synthesis and Crystal Structures of NH₄[Si(NH₃)F₅] and [Si(NH₃)₂F₄] Single crystals of NH₄[Si(NH₃)F₅] and [Si(NH₃)₂F₄] are obtained by reaction of silicon powder with NH₄HF₂ in sealed Monel ampoules at 400°C. NH₄[Si(NH₃)F₅] crystallizes with the tetragonal space group P4/n (no. 85) with a = 614.91(7) pm, c = 721.01(8) pm, Z = 2. Characteristic for the structure is the anionic octahedron [Si(NH₃)F₅]^?. Si(NH₃)₂F₄ crystallizes with the monoclinic space group P2₁/c (no. 14) with a = 506.9(1) pm, b = 728.0(1) pm, c = 675.9(1), β = 93,21(2)°, Z = 2. Trans-[Si(NH₃)₂F₄] molecules are characteristic for this structure.     

Synthese und spektroskopische Charakterisierung von Fluorocarbonylosmaten sowie Normalkoordinatenanalyse und Kristallstruktur von fac-[OsF3Br2(CO)]2–

Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Fluorocarbonylosmates, Normal Coordinate Analysis and Crystal Structure of fac -[OsF₃Br₂(CO)]^2– By treatment of (n-Bu₄N)₂[OsBr₅(CO)] with TlF in C₆H₅CF₃ fac-(n-Bu₄N)₂[OsF₃Br₂(CO)] is formed, from which salts with the cations (Et₄N)⁺, (py₂CH₂)²⁺, Tl⁺ and Cs⁺ are obtainable. Oxidation of the by-product [OsF₅(CO)]^2– with Cl₂ yields [OsF₅(CO)]^– which ¹⁹F NMR spectrum reveals a quintet (δ_F = 89.9) and a dublet (43.5 ppm) in the ratio 1 : 4 with coupling constants ²J_FF = 94.9 Hz. Simultaneously produced mer-[OsF₃Cl₂(CO)]^– exhibits in the high field region a triplet (δ_F = –70.4) and a dublet (–66.2 ppm) in the ratio 1 : 2 and ²J_FF = 9.5 Hz. The X-ray structure determinations of fac-Tl₂[OsF₃Br₂(CO)] ( 1 ) (monoclinic P2₁/n, a = 11.143(12), b = 11.654(4), c = 13.751(10) Å, β = 91.50(6)°, Z = 8) and fac-(py₂CH₂)[OsF₃Br₂(CO)] · 1/2(CH₃)₂CO ( 2 ) (triclinic, P 1, a = 8.432(1), b = 9.009(1), c = 12.402(2) Å, α = 80.30(1), β = 79.68(2), γ = 68.14(1)°, Z = 2) result in nearly C_s symmetry of the complex anion with bond lengths in the ranges Os–F = 1.98–2.08, Os–Br = 2.45–2.46, Os–C = 1.83–1.84, C–O = 1.10 – 1.17 Å. Using the molecular parameters of the X-ray determinations the IR spectra have been assigned by normal coordinate analysis. The valence force constants are f_d(CO) = 15.4–15.7, f_d(OsC) = 4.4–4.7, f_d(OsF) = 2.4–2.7, f_d(OsF˙) = 1.6–2.0, f_d(OsBr) = 1.7–2.1 mdyn/Å.     

Darstellung und spektroskopische Charakterisierung von Bindungsisomeren Halogenoselenocyanatoosmaten(IV)

Preparation and Spectroscopic Characterization of Bondisomeric Halogenoselenocyanatoosmates (IV) The new compounds [OsCl₅(NCSe)]^2?, [OsCl₅(SeCN)]^2?, tr.-[OsCl₄(NCSe)(SeCN)]^2?, tr.-[OsCl₄I(NCSe)]^2? and tr.-[OsCl₄I(SeCN)]^2? are prepared from [OsCl₅I]^2? and tr.-[OsCl₄I₂]^2? by oxidative ligand exchange with (SeCN)₂ or by reaction with suspended Pb(SeCN)₂ in CH₂Cl₂ and isolated by ion exchange chromatography on DEAE cellulose. The bondisomers are significantly distinguished by the frequencies of innerligand vibrations: ν_CN(Se), ν_CN(N), ν_CSe(N) > ν_CSe(Se), δ_NCSe >, δ_SeCN. The electronic spectra measured at 10 K on the solid salts exhibit in the region 450–650 nm intensive Se → Os and N → Os charge transfer bands. Essentially weaker intraconfigurational transitions (t) are observed near to 2000 and 1000 nm, splitted by lowered symmetry (C_4v) and spin orbit coupling. Only some of the 0–0-transitions may be assigned by measuring electronic Raman bands with the same frequencies.     

Darstellung,Ramanspektren und Kristallstrukturen von V2O3(SO4)2, K[VO(SO4)2] und NH4[VO(SO4)2]

Preparation, Raman Spectra, and Crystal Structures of V₂O₃(SO₄)₂, K[VO(SO₄)₂], and NH₄[VO(SO₄)₂] The oxo-sulfato-vanadates(V) V₂O₃(SO₄)₂, K[VO(SO₄)₂], and NH₄[VO(SO₄)₂] have been prepared as crystals suitable for X-ray structure determination. In all structures sulfate acts as an unidentate ligand only toward a single vanadium atom. The structure of V₂O₃(SO₄)₂ consists of a threedimensional network of pairs of cornershared VO₆ octahedra with one terminal oxygen atom each, and SO₄ tetrahedra. All oxygen atoms of the sulfate ions are coordinated. NH₄[VO(SO₄)₂] and K[VO(SO₄)₂] are isostructural. VO₆ octahedra with one terminal oxygen atom and pairs of sulfate tetrahedra form infinite chains by corner sharing. The chains are weakly interlinked to layers. The sulfate ions are distorted towards planar SO₃ molecules and single oxygen atoms attached to vanadium. This structural detail gives an explanation for the mechanism of the reversible reaction K[VO(SO₄)₂] ? K[VO₂(SO₄)] + SO₃ at 400°C. Raman spectra of the compounds have been recorded and interpreted with respect to their structures. Crystal data: V₂O₃(SO₄)₂, monoclinic, space group P2₁/a, a = 947.2(4), b = 891.3(3), c? 989.1(4) pm, β = 104.56(3)°, Z = 4, 878 unique data, R(R_w) = 0.039(0,033); K[VO(SO₄)₂], orthorhombic, space group P2₁2₁2₁, a = 495.3(2), b = 869.6(9), c = 1 627(1)pm, Z = 4, 642 unique data, R(R_w) = 0,11(0,10); NH₄[VO(SO₄)₂], orthorhombic, space group P2₁2₁2₁, a = 495.3(1), b = 870.0(2), c = 1 676.7(4)pm, Z = 4, 768 unique data, R(R_w) = 0.088(0.083).     

Asymmetric salt effects on anion/cation reactions: A comparative study of the [Fe(CN)6]4− + [Co(NH3)5pz]3+ and [Ru(NH3)5pz]2+ + [Co(C2O4)3]3− reactions

The kinetics of electron transfer reactions between [Fe(CN)₆]^4? and [Co(NH₃)₅pz]³⁺ and between [Ru(NH₃)₅pz]²⁺ and [Co(C₂O₄)₃]^3? was studied in concentrated salt solutions (Na₂SO₄, LiNO₃, and Ca(NO₃)₂). An analysis of the experimental kinetic data, k_obs, permits us to obtain the true (unimolecular) electron transfer rate constants corresponding to the true electron transfer process (precursor complex → successor complex), k_et. The variations of both, k_obs and k_et, with salt concentrations are opposite for these reactions. These opposite tendencies can be rationalized by using the Marcus–Hush treatment for electron transfer reactions. The conclusion is that the negative salt effect found for the first reaction ([Fe(CN)₆]^4? + [Co(NH₃)₅pz]³⁺) is due to the increase of the reaction and reorganization free energies when the concentration of salt increases. In the case of the second reaction ([Ru(NH₃)₅pz]²⁺ + [Co(C₂O₄)₃]^3?), the positive salt effect observed is caused by the fact that the driving force becomes more favorable when the concentration of salt increases. Thus, it is shown that for anion/cation electron transfer reactions the kinetic salt effect depends on the charge sign of the oxidant (and the reductant). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 81–89, 2005