Hg²⁺-Quinalphos complexes: Characterized by ¹H and ³¹P NMR

Abstract

Since Hg²⁺ has catalyzed the hydrolysis of quinalphos and ESI-MS detects species in the gas phase [1], ¹H and ³¹P NMR studies were carried out in this work in order to verify whether the metal ions bind to the quinalphos (Q) and its products in solution. The NMR results show clearly that binding between Hg²⁺ and quinalphos occurs primarily through the S atom. However, small ¹H shifts suggest weaker interaction through N. This support strongly that Hg²⁺ may form a six membered ring with quinalphos and that this complex enhancing the hydrolysis rates.