Abstract
The exchange reaction of various phenyl benzoates took place in pyridine, and the kinetic order showed identity with the result of phenyl acetates. The exchange reactions of phenyl benzoates were generally slower than that of the corresponding acetates. Relative rates of the exchange reactions were compared with that of the base-catalysed hydrolysis, and the effect on the exchange rate caused by the structural change of acyl component was attributed to the steric and electronic effects on the reaction of the ester. These effects were smaller than polar effect caused by the substituents on the phenol ring. The rate-determining step was controlled by lability of the ester bond, which was related to pKa values of the corresponding phenols.
