Kinetics of alkaline hydrolysis of N-p-tolylcinnamohydroxamic acid

The kinetics and mechanism of the alkaline hydrolysis of N-p-tolylcinnamohy droxamic acid have been studied in 10% (v/v) aqueous - dioxane medium at 55 , 65 and 75 degrees C. Enthalpies and entropies of activation have been eva luated. Studies of solvent effects, salt effects and rate acidity function correlations indicate a pathway involving the rate limiting formation of a tetrahedral intermediate which decomposes to give products with water and h ydroxide ion catalysis.