Chemistry of episulfides. II. The reactivities of propylene sulfide and propylene oxide towards acetic acid

Abstract

The rates and products of solvolysis of propylene oxide and propylene sulfide in acetic acid have been determined. The results show that terminal attack is preferred, although not exclusively, and that the sulfide is the less reactive by a factor of 50–60. This difference is accounted for mainly in the preexponential factor. Solvent isotope effects are also observed.