The two closely spaced NH signals in the H-1 NMR spectrum of trans-[Co(en)(2)(OSMe2)(N-3)](2+) have been reassigned using 2D NMR and other techniques. Thus, the unusual syn to anti (to Co-N-3) NH rearrangement on base catalyzed substitution of the selectively deuterated complex in ND3(I) has been reinterpreted as "normal", with inversion of the effective deprotonation site accompanying the act of substitution. The re-examination of this system required a repeat study of the secondary isotope effect for the acid hydrolysis reaction, previously used to assign syn and anti amine sites, and this has been extended to other solvents (Me2SO, MeCN). The relative NH proton exchange rates are also reconsidered. A systematic rate reduction for Me2SO substitution is observed for deuterium incorporation into the cis-NH centers, irrespective of whether these are syn or anti, and the effect is much greater in Me2SO than in water. The results are interpreted in terms of zero point energy effects and coupled vibrations.