Why is benzyl‐gem‐diacetate remarkably stable in aqueous solution?

Abstract

AbstractBenzyl‐gem‐diacetate is synthesized and performed its solvolysis in water at 25°C. It did not solvolize even for a year, whereas its counterparts benzyl‐gem‐diazide and dihalides underwent spontaneous cleavage through a SN1 mechanism in aqueous solution to give benzaldehydes as the final product through α‐azido benzyl and α‐halo benzyl carbocation intermediates, respectively. The possible explanations are offered for the extraordinary stability of the benzyl‐gem‐diacetate in water. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 554–557, 2009