Specific interactions of tetra-alkylammonium and alkali metal cations with anions in aqueous solutions

Abstract

Precise measurements with electrochemical cells give specific interaction coefficients of tetra-alkylammonium ions with hydroxide and acetate ions in aqueous solution. Those with the hydroxide ion are useful in further analysis of specific kinetic salt effects of tetra-alkylammonium ions on the hydroxide-ion-catalized depolymerization of diacetone alcohol. Values of the specific interaction coefficients of tetra-alkylammonium cations with anions are tabulated and discussed in relation to corresponding values for alkali metal cations. A qualitative interpretation of trends in the coefficients is given in terms of ion-solvent competition, without invoking so-called “structural” explanations.