Methyl Transfer from Methylcobalt(III) Phthalocyanine to Bromide and Iodide Ions in Sulfolane

Rates of methyl transfer from methylcobalt(III) phthalocyanine (MeCoIIIPc) to bromide and iodide nucleophiles in sulfolane were measured in the temperature range 20-40_C. In contrast to iodide, bromide ion forms an unreactive complex MeCoIIIPcBr-, formation constant for which was determined. Rates of reaction between CoIPc- and methyl iodide were also measured. Identity rate constant for methyl transfer between two CoIPc- nucleophiles of 51M-1 s-1 at 25_C was obtained using the Marcus equation. This identity rate is the largest out of many determined in this solvent.