Isokinetic correlation analysis of the series of electrophilic substitution reactions of o -substituted phenylmercurials

Isokinetic relationships of the series of electrophilic substitution reactions ofo-substituted phenylmercurials are studied, and the results show, for the first time, that isokinetic correlation analysis can reveal the dominant factor in the system of the reactions. The analysis of S_E2 ofo-substituted phenylmercuric chlorides indicates that the steric effect ofo-substituents is the predominant factor when I₂ is used as electrophilic agent, however, the electronic effect ofo-substituents would become the predominant factor when HCl is used as the electrophilic agent. In S_E1 ofo-substituted phenylmercuric chlorides, the results of the analysis display that the predominant factor is the field effects ofo-substituents. The determination of predominant factors in those reactions would provide further scientific basis for those reaction mechanisms.