Kinetics of hydrolysis of 2-methyl-3-(2'-hydroxybenzalamino)quinazolin-4(3H
)-one (MHBQ) and 2-phenyl-3-(2'-hydroxybenzalamino)quinazolin-4(3H)-one (PH
BQ) have been studied. Rate coefficients have been measured for the alkalin
e hydrolysis of MHBQ and PHBQ in 70% (v/v) dioxane-water at various tempera
tures. The enthalpies and entropies of activation have been evaluated. The
hydrolysis of MHBQ and PHBQ follows first order kinetics in both the substr
ate and the base. The relative rates of hydrolysis and activation parameter
s have been used to suggest the mechanism of the reactions.