The Alkaline solvolysis of allyl bromide in alcohol-water solvents

Abstract

The rate of the alkaline solvolysis of allyl bromide has been measured in various ethanol-water and methanol-water mixtures. This has been found to increase with increase in solvent polarity. An attempt was made to explain this behaviour in terms of partial ionisation of the substrate. It has been suggested that in nucleophilic substitution the individual specific rate constants for attack by alkoxide or hydroxide ions are a better indication of solvent effects than the apparent overall rate constant.