Solvolysis of 1-bromoadamantane; a kinetic artefact introduced by the reaction of aqueous base with a Pyrex glass vessel

Abstract

Attempts to follow the rate of solvolysis of 1-bromoadamantane in ethanol–water (4:1, v/v) in the presence of sodium hydroxide by titration with standard hydrochloric acid led to the discovery that dilute aqueous ethanolic sodium hydroxide reacts with Pyrex glass at a rate which increases with time. Gas chromatography showed that aqueous sodium hydroxide had no effect on the rate of solvolysis at 60°.