Kinetics and Mechanism of the Benzylaminolysis of O,O-Diphenyl S-Aryl Phosphorothioates in Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Kinetic studies of the reactions of O,O-diphenyl Z-S-aryl phosphorothioates with X-benzylamines have been carried out in dimethyl sulfoxide at 55.0 $^{\circ}C$. The Hammett (log $k_2$ vs ${\sigma}_X$) and Bronsted [log $k_2$ vs $pK_a(X)$] plots for substituent X variations in the nucleophiles are biphasic concave downwards with a maximum point at X = H, and the unusual positive ${\rho}_X$ and negative ${\beta}_X$ values are obtained for the strongly basic benzylamines. The sign of the cross-interaction constant (${\rho}_{XZ}$) is negative for both the strongly and weakly basic nucleophiles. Greater magnitude of ${\rho}_{XZ}$ value is observed with the weakly basic nucleophiles (${\rho}_{XZ}$ = -2.35) compared to with the strongly basic nucleophiles (${\rho}_{XZ}$ = -0.03). The deuterium kinetic isotope effects ($k_H/k_D$) involving deuterated benzylamines [$XC_6H_4CH_2ND_2$] are primary normal ($k_H/k_D$ > 1). The proposed mechanism is a concerted $S_N2$ involving a frontside nucleophilic attack with a hydrogen bonded, four-center-type transition state for both the strongly and weakly basic nucleophiles. The unusual positive ${\rho}_X$ and negative ${\beta}_X$ values with the strongly basic benzylamines are rationalized by through-space interaction between the ${\pi}$-clouds of the electron-rich phenyl ring of benzylamine and the phenyl ring of the leaving group thiophenoxide.