Kinetics of the reactions between [S(2)MoS(2)Cu(SC(6)H(4)R-4)](2-)(R = MeO, H, Cl or NO(2)) and CN(-): substitution mechanism at a 3-coordinate Cu(I) site.

The kinetics of the reaction between [S(2)MoS(2)Cu(SC(6)H(4)R-4)](2-)(R = MeO, H, Cl or NO(2)) and CN(-) to form [S(2)MoS(2)CuCN](2-) have been studied in MeCN using stopped-flow spectrophotometry. In all cases, the rate law is of the form, Rate ={k+k(2)(R)[CN(-)]}[S(2)MoS(2)Cu(SC(6)H(4)R-4)(2-)]. It is proposed that both k and k correspond to associative substitution mechanisms. The k pathway involves attack by CN(-) at the copper site followed by dissociation of the thiolate. The k pathway involves attack of the solvent (MeCN) at the copper site, followed by dissociation of the thiolate to form [S(2)MoS(2)Cu(NCMe)](-). Subsequent rapid substitution of the coordinated solvent by cyanide produces [S(2)MoS(2)CuCN](2-). The evidence that both the k and k pathways involve associative mechanisms are: (i) the 4-R-substituent on the thiolate ligand has a similar effect on both k and k, with electron-withdrawing 4-R-substituents facilitating substitution; (ii) both the k and k pathways are associated with similar activation parameters (for k(1)(H): DeltaH++ = 5.5 +/- 0.5 kcal mol(-1), DeltaS++ = -23.9 +/- 2.0 cal deg(-1) mol(-1); for k(2)(H): DeltaH++ = 2.3 +/- 0.5 kcal mol(-1), DeltaS++ = - 23.9 +/- 2.0 cal deg(-1) mol(-1)) and (iii) addition of C(6)H(5)S(-) results in a similar increase in both k and k.