Equilibria in complexes ofN-heterocyclic molecules,part XXXI. an explanation for rates of dissociation of iron(II) complexes of diimine ligands

Summary [Fe(3,3'-bipyridazine)₃]²⁺ has a negligible rate of dissociation in water at pH 7, and in 0.05 mol dm^–3 HO^– at ionic strength 1.00 mol dm^–3 (NaNO₃) at 298.2 K, the second-order rate constant involving HO_– is only 3.3 x 10^–5 dm³ mol^–1 s^–1. Examination of kinetic and other data and results for it wide variety oftris-diimine complexes of Fe^II related compounds, indicates that dissociation takes placevia attack at the ligand. The significance of the various possible intermediates is assessed and it is evident that a previously postulated intramolecular transfer of HO^– from the ligand to the metal atom, with associated metal-nitrogen bond fission, is important in the reaction. A general scheme for dissociation of these kinds of compounds is set out.Part XXX: R. D. Gillard, R. P. Houghton and J. N. Tucker,J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans., submitted for publication.Present address: Department of Chemistry. University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD U.K.