SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF TRIETHYLAMINE-I2 SYSTEM IN N-HEPTANE AND IN P-DIOXANE

Spectroscopic studies are reported of the triethylamine-I2 complex in n-heptane and in p-dioxane solvents. In the n-heptane solution, we have verified results from earlier studies by Nagakura. In dioxane with excess triethylamine a rapid reaction occurs, passing through an intermediate, to form I- quantitatively as an end product. This reaction has been followed spectroscopically, and the identity of the I- product established. It is postulated that the intermediate iodine-containing species is (Et3N-I)+ {or [(Et3N)2I]+}. Further characteristics of this reaction are reported, and a possible reaction sequence is suggested. Properties of the complex itself in dioxane are found to be quite similar to its properties in n-heptane, except for its instability with respect to this ion-producing reaction. Some observations are also reported of the properties of I2 in dioxane.