Kinetics of dissociation of tris-1,10-phenanthroline-iron(II) complex cation in aqueous acetic acid solutions

The reaction under study is first order in the complex ion over the entire composition range of the mixed solvent. A minimum amount of mineral acid is needed for completion of the reaction (formation of colorless products), but the rate is practically acid-independent. The influence of solvent composition and some common ions on the reaction rate have been examined. A reaction mechanism consistent with the rate behavior is proposed where water is shown as an active participant in the dissociation process. A plausible explanation for the retardation effect of HSO₄ ⁻ as against the accelerating effect of Cl⁻ under water-scarce conditions is provided.