Kinetic model and mechanism of the acid dissociation of d-metal bis(dipyrrolylmethenates)

A kinetic model and a mechanism have been developed by quantum chemical simulation for the protolytic dissociation of dinuclear homoleptic bis(dipyrrolylmethenates) of d-metals (M) with the general formula [M2L2] and a double-helix structure. The reaction is described by a third-order equation that is first-order with respect to the complex and second-order with respect to the acid. The main contribution to the total dissociation rate is made by the rate-determining step, specifically, attack of the second acetic acid molecule on the nitrogen atom of one of the coordination sites of the helicate. The dinuclear helicates of 3,3′-bis(dipyrrolylmethenes) are more inert in an acidic medium than 2,3′- and 2,2′-bis(dipyrrolylmethenes).