10.1039/jr9640001727
The study investigates the reactions of aromatic nitro-compounds, specifically picramide (PicNH?) and its NN-dimethyl derivative (PicNMe?), in aqueous sodium hydroxide solutions. Picramide and dimethylpicramide both react with hydroxide ions to form soluble complexes. Picramide forms a 1:1 complex with hydroxide ions, while dimethylpicramide forms a 1:2 complex. The equilibrium constants for these reactions were measured. The study also examines the kinetics of the reactions, including the slow, irreversible hydrolysis that leads to the formation of picrate ions. In the presence of visible light, additional reactions occur, resulting in the formation of nitrite ions and a mixture of 3,5-dinitrocatechol and 2,6-dinitroquinone. The rates of these reactions were measured as a function of hydroxide ion concentration. The study aims to understand the behavior of these compounds in alkaline media and the nature of the complexes formed.