[Co(tp)2(Me-en)]ClO4 (Htp = tropolone, Me-en = N-methylethylenediamine) was prepared and L(R)D(S) and L(S)D(R) epimers were separated by ion exchange. Rates of base catalyzed reversible epimerization and deuteration at the chiral N center were detd in aqueous solns. by HPLC and NMR, resp. Results are compared with those of [Co(ox)2(Me-en)]- (H2ox = oxalic acid) and [Co(acac)2(Me-en)]+ (Hacac = acetylacetone). Factors influencing the reactions and their mechanisms are discussed.

Key words: REACTION MECHANISM, REACTION KINETICS, HIGH SPEED LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY, ION EXCHANGING, NMR SPECTROMETRY, TERNARY COMPLEX, ENANTIOMORPH, COBALT COMPLEX, PERCHLORATE, REACTION RATE