Theoretical study of the mechanism of solvolysis of methyl fluoride

Abstract

The mechanism of solvolysis of methyl fluoride has been studied by the CNDO/2 method using different numbers of water molecules. It is shown that the process implies the transfer of one proton through a chain of water molecules. The results obtained give theoretical support to Winstein's mechanism and demonstrate that solvent assistance to the carbocation in formation is a very important factor in the ionization part of the process.