Proton transfer in the 1,1-dinitroethane/n-dibutylamine complex

The ¹H NMR spectra of 1,1-dinitroethane/n-dibutylamine solutions in CCl₄ have been investigated. It is shown that two types of complexes, the CH … N hydrogen bond complex and the ion pair are present in the solution simultaneously, with slow exchange through proton transfer between them. The exchange rates, activation energy and enthalpy of proton transfer are determined. It can be concluded that the act of proton transfer from carbon to nitrogen and back is kinetically determined.