Alkaline hydrolysis of substituted anilides

Abstract

Although considerable work has been done on alkaline hydrolysis in general, the anilides have received comparatively little attention. The object of this Thesis is therefore to determine as far as possible what factors influence the rate of this hydrolysis. As the reaction concerned is included under the heading of acid-base catalysis, it is advisable to consider how the present conception of that theory was arrived at. Following on the work of Ostwald and Arhennuis researches carried out by Dawson, Lenter, Lapworth, Acree, Goldsmidt and others led to the postulation of the "Dual Theory" of Catalysis, in which undissociated molecules of acids and bases, in addition to hydrogen and hydroxl ions were recognised as exerting effect.