Proton affinities by reactant ion monitoring: Triphenyl group Va compounds

Proton affinities of a series of triphenyl Group Va compounds have been determined by bracketing using reactant ion monitoring: (C₆H₅)₃N = 904 ± 8 kJ mol^?1, (C₆H₅)₃P = 968 ± 5 kJ mol^?1, (C₆H₅)₃As = 904 ± 8 kJ mol^?1 and (C₆H₅)₃Sb = 846 ± 8 kJ mol^?1. The large difference in substituent effect of phenyl for hydrogen between As or P and N may result from overlap of the 2p orbitals of N with the sp² orbitals on the ring carbons and lack of overlap for P or As. Proton affinities of phenylalkylphosphine oxides are essentially the same, 904 ± 8 kJ mol^?1, independent of alkyl group.