Pure and Applied Chemistry

Abstract: The aminolysis reactions of thioesters and thiocarbonates, in either aqueous solution or in 44 wt % aqueous ethanol at 25 °C, are subjected to a kinetic investigation. The Brønsted-type plots (lg k_N vs. amine pK_a, where k_N is the nucleophilic rate constant) obtained for these reactions can be grouped in three categories: linear plots with slopes 0.8-1, biphasic plots (two linear portions and a curve in between), and linear plots with slopes 0.4-0.6. The two former plots are attributed to stepwise reactions through a zwitterionic tetrahedral intermediate. The latter plots are associated with a concerted mechanism. The fact that some reactions are stepwise and others concerted depends on the stability of the zwitterionic tetrahedral intermediate. This work shows how the experimental data allows one to assess the mechanism of these reactions. Also discussed are the factors that affect the stability of this intermediate, which in turn determines the pathway followed by the reaction. The factors analyzed in this work are (i) the leaving group of the substrate, (ii) the nature of the amine, (iii) the non-leaving group of the substrate, (iv) the electrophilic group of the substrate (CS vs. CO), and (v) the solvent.