The Hydrolysis of Propyl Benzoate in Aqueous Solutions of Cetomacrogol

Abstract

The alkaline hydrolysis of n-propyl benzoate in aqueous cetomacrogol solutions has been investigated. The rate of hydrolysis of solubilised ester in the presence of 100 per cent excess of sodium hydroxide is a first order process in which the rate decreases with increase in cetomacrogol concentration. This indicates that incorporation of ester within the micelles protects it against hydrolysis. The rate of reaction depends on the degree of saturation of the dispersion and not on the actual concentrations of ester or cetomacrogol except in so far as these control the degree of saturation. The degree of saturation is expressed as a “Saturation Ratio” which is the ratio of the ester concentration to its solubility.