ISSN 1017-2548(Print)
ISSN 2234-8530(Online)
Volume 17, Number 4
JKCSEZ 17(4)
August 20, 1973 

The rate constants of the hydrolysis of α-cyano-β-piperonylacrylic acid were determined by Ultraviolet spectrophotometry at various pH and a rate equation which can be applied over wide pH range was obtained. The reaction mechanism of hydrolysis of α-cyano-β-piperonylic acid and especially the catalytic contribution of hydroxide ion which not studied carefully before in acidic media, can be fully explained by the rate equation obtained. The rate equation reveals that; below pH 4.0, the reaction is initiated by the addition of water molecule to α-cyano-β-piperonyl acrylic acid. At pH 5.0-7.5, α-cyano-β-piperonylacrylic acid compete with α-cyano-β-piperonyl acrylate ion in adding of water. At pH 8.0, water is the only nucleophile for α-cyano-β-piperonylacrylate ion, however, above pH 12.0, hydroxide ion is an addendum and the accepter is α-cyano-β-piperonylacrylate ion.