Kinetics of the solvolysis of [Co(Rpy)4Cl4]+ with R = 4-t-Bu, 3-Me or 3-Et in mixtures of urea with water

Summary The kinetics of the solvolysis of complex ions trans-[Co(Rpy)₄Cl₂]⁺, with R = 4-t-Bu, 3-Me and 3-Et, have been investigated in mixtures formed by adding urea to water, which enhances the dielectric constant and decreases solvent structure. Differential effects of the changes in solvent structure on the initial and transition states are found to be important factors controlling changes in the rate constant with solvent composition. The variation of the enthalpy and the entropy of activation with solvent composition are contrasted with their variations found for the solvolysis of [Co(Rpy)₄Cl₂]⁺ in mixtures where solvent structure is enhanced by additions of a co-solvent to water. The application of a free energy cycle to the process of the initial state going to the transition state suggests that the Co³⁺ cation in the transition state is more stable than the Co³⁺ cation in the initial state in the water + urea mixtures.