The equilibrium constants or acetyl transfer between O-acetylonium salts of
a series of pyridine N-oxides and 4-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)pyridine N-oxid
e in acetonitrile and methylene chloride were determined. The equilibrium c
onstants correlate with the acid-base characteristics of the N-oxides and w
ith the heats of reactions calculated quantum-chemically.