Sulfa drugs: thermodynamic proton-ligand and metal-ligand stability constants.

The thermodynamic proton-ligand stability constants of sulfa drugs have been determined in different mole fractions of dioxane (0.083-0.174) at 25 and 35 +/- 0.1 degrees C. Empirical corrections to pH meter readings in mixed aqueous media have been applied. The pKa varies linearly with the mole fraction of dioxane. Numerical equations expressing this linear relationship have been obtained using the method of least squares, and relevant correlation coefficients have been calculated. The thermodynamic parameters delta G degrees, delta H degrees, and delta S degrees are calculated. The effect of solvent and the change in free energy from mixed aqueous media, delta, is discussed. The thermodynamic metal-ligand stability constants of Cu(II), Pd(II), and Ce(IV) with sulfa drugs in 50% aqueous dioxane at 35 +/- 0.1 degrees C have been determined. The effect of basicity of the ligand and the order of the stability constant is discussed.