Kinetics of the reversible hydration of 1,3-dichloroacetone catalysed by aerosol-OT-solubilized acids and bases in carbon tetrachloride

Abstract

The kinetics of the reversible hydration of 1,3-dichloroacetone catalysed by Aerosol-OT-solubilized perchloric acid, DClO₄, imidazole (Imz), and N-methylimidazole (Melmz) have been studied in carbon tetrachloride. Rate constants for acid-catalysed hydration are higher in the presence of the detergent than in acid–dioxan mixtures. The average rate enhancement is 15.6 for perchloric acid catalyst and 14.2 for DClO₄. Hydration equilibrium constants are also higher in the presence of Aerosol-OT than in water– or D₂O–dioxan mixtures. Compared with the Imz- and Melmz-catalysed reactions in aqueous dioxan, the surfactant increases the rate constants by factors of 209 and 144. The results are interpreted in terms of the properties of the Aerosol-OT-solubilized water, acids, and bases, as well as of the role played by the hydrophilic groups of the surfactant.