Confused on a Reaction Mechanism
So essentially what is happening is a R-N-O is being reduced to R-NH.
The thing that is confusing here is more the inorganic aspect of what is going on. I haven't learned about coordination complexes yet, but from some
preliminary research it says redox reactions are possible. Though the whole inner sphere, outersphere, anation, aquation aren't really solid in my
head, yet..
Here's what I've got so far:
FeSO4(aq) + 4NH4OH(aq) → (Fe(NH3)4)SO4(aq) + 4H2O
R-NO + (Fe(NH3)4)SO4(aq) → R-NH + ?
Although would tetramine iron(ii) sulfate even be formed or play a role in the reaction, they say they used excess FeSO4 not NH4OH. Which lends me
towards thinking that the reaction proceeds more like:
In this case the FeSO4 would be the reducing agent?
2R-NO + 2Fe(2+) + 2SO4(2-) + NH4(+) + OH(-) →
2R-N(-) + O(2+) + 3Fe(3+) + 2SO4(2-) + NH4(+) + OH(-) →
2R-NH + Fe2O3 + 2(NH4)2SO4 + NH4OH(-)
This equation doesn't even look right I'm kind of ashamed posting it...
I guess NH3 could also be a reducing agent? But I should really quit guessing here, hopefully someone can help.![:(](./images/smilies/sad.gif)
![Screenshot.png - 18kB](http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/files.php?pid=205316&aid=13457)
edit - woops the thing the cursor is covering says "FeSO4"
[Edited on 28-3-2011 by smaerd]
[Edited on 28-3-2011 by smaerd]
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