The Hydration of Indane-1,2,3-triones and Related Triones

Abstract

A series of 5-mono- and 5,6-di-substituted indane-1,2,3-triones, phenalene-1,2,3-trione and 1,3-diphenylpropane- 1,2,3-trione form 2,2-dihydroxy-1,3-dione hydrates; the rates for the uncatalysed hydrations were measured and the structure of the transition state is elucidated from activation parameters, the kinetic role of water, and solvent isotope and substituent effects.