SOLVENT AND CATALYST EFFECTS ON THE COMPLEXATION OF TOLUENE WITH CR(CO)(6)

The effect of 8 solvents on the rate as well as the yields of complexa tion of toluene with Cr(CO)(6) has been studied. It has been found tha t the intensity of boiling has a profound effect on the rate of comple xation in some cases (when n-hexanol, cyclohexanone or diglyme is used as solvent). The rates of complexation are highest in these cases, bu t a considerable extent of decomposition results in lower yields. Buty l acetate, dibutyl ether and decalin have been found to be the most fe asible solvents. Additionally, 27 different catalysts have been tested for the complexation of toluene in decalin solution, their effect bei ng quantified by rate constants and the isolated yields of the reactio n. The rate constants have been obtained from the rate of CO evolution and vary from 6.6.10(-5)s(-1) for formic acid to 6.5.10(-4)s(-1) for ethyl acetamidomalonate. Cycloalkanones proved to be more efficient ca talysts than acyclic ketones with a close boiling point. Lactones are more efficient than esters, both cyclic and acyclic ketones, and diest ers, all having a similar boiling point.