N1s binding energies for 36 pyridines substituted at the 2-, 3-, and 4-positions have been determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The differences in BE relative to pyridine are analysed in terms of existing theoretical approaches (electrostatic, ground potential, and relaxation potential models) and compared with [Formula: see text] values calculated for analogous monosubstituted benzenes. One finds good correlations of [Formula: see text] with solution determined σ-substituent values although some substituent values deviate from the correlation probably due to solution effects which are not present in the gas phase. Correlations between [Formula: see text] and 14N nmr chemical shifts are poor, particularly for electron withdrawing substituents. The relationship between [Formula: see text] and gas phase basicity values (ΔG0) is good, and it appears as if the [Formula: see text] is more sensitive to the substituent than ΔG0. MINDO/3 calculations on the methoxypyridines and their conjugate acids employing full geometry optimizations are presented and analysed in order to determine the effect of geometric relaxation on the gas phase basicity.
Negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the prediction that D3h carbon trioxide (CO3) has a singlet ground state
