| Abstract: | Structure and Reactivity of Heterosubstituted Nitriles. XVI. Kinetics and Mechanism of the Formation of Arylcyanates from Cyanogen Bromide and Phenoles The first-order and second-order rate constants of the reaction of cyanogen bromide with phenoles in the presence of tertiary aliphatic amines were determined in absolute acetone. The first step of the reaction is the nucleophilic attack of the tertiary amine at the cyanogen bromide. By a fast equilibrium reaction an N-cyano-N,N,N-trialkylammonium bromide is formed, which is attacked by the phenol as a nucleophile or dissociates in the slowest steps of the reaction. The nucleophilicity and the steric hinderance of the tertiary amine, and the nucleophilicity of the phenole as well determine, which of these reactions is favoured. |
