KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF HYDROLYSIS OF METHYLPHOSPHONFLUORIDIC ACID

The acid catalyzed rate for hydrolysis of methylphosponfluoridic acid has been determined at several hydrogen ion concentrations and temperatures. The acid hydrolysis is second order (in acid and substrate). Assumed rate expressions, observed rate constants, and hydrogen ion concentrations were used to calculate the thermodynamic equilibrium constant (Ka=0.56) and rate constants for acid catalysis. The activation energy Ea has been determined as 18.3 Kcal/mole. Finally, the acid catalyzed deuterolysis was determined to be about 1.47 times the rate of hydrolysis. The data suggest a two-step mechanism consisting of a rapid proton transfer, followed by slow hydration of the protonated complex.