Base hydrolysis of [Rh(NH3)5OCOR]2+ ions: Influence of polar and steric requirements of the R groups on the reaction mechanism☆☆☆
Complexes of the type [Rh(NH3)5OCOR]2+, where RCOO- is formate, acetate or substituted acetate ion, were hydrolysed in basic aqueous media. The observed pseudo first-order rate constants were found to obey the equation 
Kobs = k1[OH−] + k2[OH−]2 
 
 
The reaction mechanism is discussed on the basis of the sensitivity of k1 and k2 to both polar and steric requirements of the R groups.