Question

The mechanism by which the permanganate anion is dissolved somewhat differs between the macrocyclic ligands and the ammonium salt. Which of the following mechanisms is correct (you can pick more than one answer)?

a)The macrocyclic ligands bind potassium cations in their cavities. This hydrophobic cation species then binds the permanganate anion, and the resulting organic salt partitions into the organic phase.

b) The tetraalkylammonium cation swaps the bromide anion for the permanganate anion and the resulting organic salt partitions into the organic phase.

Answer 1

Two mechanisms are correct for the dissolution of permanganate anion; macrocyclic ligands binding potassium to create a hydrophobic cation that binds permanganate, and anion exchange in tetraalkylammonium salts where bromide is replaced with permanganate resulting in an organic salt soluble in the organic phase.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the mechanisms by which the permanganate anion (MnO4−) is dissolved using macrocyclic ligands or ammonium salts, multiple mechanisms can be correct. For macrocyclic ligands, these structures are known to bind potassium cations (K+) within their cavities. This creates hydrophobic cation species that can then interact with the permanganate anion to form an organic salt. This salt is more likely to be soluble in the organic phase due to its nature.

In the case of tetraalkylammonium cations, there is an anion exchange mechanism where the bromide anion (Br−) is replaced with the permanganate anion. The resulting organic salt, again, has higher solubility in the organic phase and thus partitions into it. Both mechanisms promote the solubility of permanganate anion in an organic medium, which could be significant in various chemical processes.