Kinetics of the reversible hydration of 1,3-dichloroacetone catalysed by micellar aerosol-OT in carbon tetrachloride

Abstract

The kinetics of the reversible hydration of 1,3-dichloroacetone (DCA) by Aerosol-OT (AOT) solubilized water or D2O, have been studied in carbon tetrachloride. In the presence of the surfactant, rate constants for hydration or dehydration are faster than those in water–dioxan and/or D2O–dioxan mixtures. Rate enhancements range from 1 808 to 111 for hydration by water–AOT, and from 1 619 to 124 for hydration by D2O–AOT. The corresponding ratios for the dehydration reaction range from 508 to 64 and 1 788 to 104 for water–AOT and D2O–AOT, respectively. Equilibrium constants for hydration are also higher in the presence of AOT than those in water– or D2O–dioxan mixtures. The results are discussed in terms of the unique properties of AOT solubilized water, as well as participation of the surfactant head-group in the slow water attack.