Approximate but realistic estimates of bond properties in alkylamines

A simple bond energy scheme featuring the net charges of the bond-forming a toms is applied to alkylamines. The appropriate charge analyses are assiste d by accurate correlations with C-13 and N-15 nuclear magnetic resonance sh ifts. Intrinsic carbon-nitrogen bond energies were thus calculated and subs equently used in the computation of the corresponding dissociation energies , in good agreement with experiment. (A few examples are also given for the C-N cleavage of nitroalkanes.) Enthalpy calculations are also presented. A dditional applications, prospects and limitations are discussed. (C) 2000 E lsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.