Photochemical Ligand Exchange Reactions of Sodium Nitroprusside: Use of Metabisulphite Ions

Abstract

Sodium nitroprusside contains cyanide ligands that cannot be so
easily replaced chemically. An effort has been made to substitute
this ligand by another anionic ligand like metabisulphite. The rate
of this photochemicaI reaction has been observed spectrophotometrically.
The effect of different parameters like pH, light intensity.
concentration of sodium nitroprusside and metabisulphite ligand
concentration on the rate of this substitution reaction have been
studied. The product has beem isolated and characterized. A tentative
mechanism for this photochemical substitution reaction has
been proposed.