Comparison of the acid–base properties of 5- and 6-uracilmethylphosphonate (5Umpa2− and 6Umpa2−) and some related compounds.Evidence for intramolecular hydrogen-bond formation in aqueous solution between (N1)H and the phosphonate group of 6Umpa2−
Abstract
The acidity constants of 5-uracilmethylphosphonic acid, H2(5Umpa), and 6-uracilmethylphosphonic acid, H2(6Umpa), were determined by potentiometric pH titrations in aqueous solution (25 °C; I = 0.1 M, NaNO3). Comparison of these constants with those of related uracil derivatives (partly taken from the literature) allows the conclusion that an intramolecular hydrogen bond is formed between (N1)H and the phosphonate group of 6Umpa2−; the formation degree of this hydrogen-bonded isomer is estimated to be 86 ± 7%. The X-ray crystal structure analysis of H2(6Umpa) is reported but this solid state structure is dominated by intermolecular hydrogen bonds. In the context of the properties of 5Umpa2− and 6Umpa2− those of