Abstract
The rate constants for the nucleophilic addition of potassium cyanide to α,N-diphenylnitrone and its derivatives (p-OCH3, p-CH3, p-Cl, and p-NO2) were determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometer at 25℃, and the rate equations which can be applied over a wide pH range were obtained. On the basis of pH-rate profile, adduct analysis, general base catalysis and substituent effect, a plausible mechanism of this addition reaction was proposed: At high pH, the cyanide ion to carbon-nitrogen double bond was rate controlling, however, in acidic media, the reaction proceeded by the addition of hydrogen cyanide molecule to carbon-nitrogen double bond after protonation at oxygen of a,N-diphenylnitrone. In the range of neutral pH, these two reactions occured competitively.