Formation of an observable intermediate during the reduction of [Co(III)(NH3)5CN]2+ by radical dotCR1R2(OH) radicals

radical dotCR1R2OH, Ri = CH3 or H, react with the complex [CoIII(NH3)5CN]2+ to form an observable intermediate probably via bonding to the nitrogen of the cyanide. This intermediate isomerizes to form a second intermediate. The second intermediate decomposes into Co2+(aq), 5NH4+, CN− and R1R2CO. The plausible structures of the intermediates are discussed. The radicals radical dotCH3, radical dotCH2CHO, View the MathML sourceCH(OH)CO2-, View the MathML sourceCH2C(CH3)2OH,CO2- and View the MathML sourceCH3O2 are considerably less reactive towards this complex, the formation of intermediates in their presence is not observed.