I'm curious to know what's the mechanism of: $$\ce{HF + D^+ \rightarrow DF + H^+}$$
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
4
-
1$\begingroup$ Maybe you should include your own thoughts on this? $\endgroup$– tschoppiCommented Dec 8, 2013 at 14:02
-
$\begingroup$ @tschoppi. I have an idea (probably stupid) but I would prefer not to contaminate the discussion with it. $\endgroup$– Claude LeiboviciCommented Dec 8, 2013 at 14:13
-
$\begingroup$ Well, you got my answer. I'd be curious to hear about your approach. $\endgroup$– tschoppiCommented Dec 8, 2013 at 14:53
-
$\begingroup$ The use of a double arrow is appropriate in this case. $\endgroup$– bobthechemistCommented Dec 9, 2013 at 3:37
Add a comment
|
2 Answers
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
4
To answer this question you should understand the kinetic isotope effect.
Since you deliver no real data about reaction rate constants I assume that the dissociation of $\ce{HF}$ is faster (has a larger $k_\text{dis}$) than the dissociation of $\ce{DF}$. I postulate the following mechanism:
$\ce{HF + D+ <=>[k_\text{dis}^\ce{HF}] H+ + F- + D+ <=>[][k_{\text{dis}}^\ce{DF}] DF + H+}$
Essentially it is a pretty simple reaction mechanism, but it tends to forming $\ce{DF}$ over $\ce{HF}$ because the deuterium dissociates more slowly.
-
$\begingroup$ I was thinking about an intermediate (HFD)+ based on some quantum mechanical calculations I performed. $\endgroup$ Commented Dec 8, 2013 at 14:58
-
$\begingroup$ Hm, given the high strength of the HF bond that is also entirely possible. Depending on the medium, of course. $\endgroup$– tschoppiCommented Dec 8, 2013 at 15:04
-
$\begingroup$ @ClaudeLeibovici That is probably a good description for a gas phase reaction. However, when inspecting the reaction in a condensed phase, calculations must be done much more carefully as bare hydrogen nuclei are extremely polarizing and will drag along one or more solvating entities with them. $\endgroup$ Commented Dec 8, 2013 at 19:28
-
$\begingroup$ Actually, $\ce{F-}$ isn't that stable, and one would expect a concerted mechanism. $\endgroup$– sencerCommented Dec 10, 2013 at 2:35
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
You know this happens in water all the time...what do you mean by mechanism? this is just proton jumping or hopping. The kinetics are are a side issue.
