SummaryThe kinetics of the base catalysed racemization of [Co(EN3A)H20I1) were studied polarimetrically in aqueous buffer solution. The reaction rate is first order in OHand in complex, in weakly acidic medium. Activation parameters are AH* = 22 kcal * mol-l, AS' =26 cal K-l. The results are discussed in terms of an S N~C B mechanism involving exchange of the ligand water molecule.The N-methylated analogue [Co(ME3A)HzO] does not racemize in the pH-range investigated. Loss of optical activity occurs at a rate which is about 1,000 times slower than the racemization of [Co(EN3A)HzO] (60") and coincides with the decomposition of the complex. [7-91, involving a trigonal bipyramidal transition state. The stabilization of a corresponding intermediate by n-bonding with the amido nitrogen has been discussed in detail [lo].We now report the results of racemization studies of aquacobalt(II1) complexes with two quinquedentate ligands of the diaminotricarboxylate type.