KINETICS OF DIALKYNE SYNTHESIS IN AQUEOUS-SOLUTIONS OF CU(I) AND CU(II) CHLORIDES

The kinetics of dialkyne and chloroalkyne formation from acetylene and methylacetylene in aqueous solutions of copper(I) and (II) chlorides is investigated. It is found that both reactions have the same orders with respect to [H3O+] and partial substrate pressure but have differe nt orders with respect to [Cu(I)]SIGMA, [Cu(II)]SIGMA, and Cl(SIGMA)-. It is shown that the nature of the background electrolyte cation has a profound effect on the rates of both reactions. A mechanism of oxida tive conversions of acetylene hydrocarbons is proposed.