Linear Free-Energy Relationships in the Protonation Equilibria and Acid–Base Catalysed Reaction of 4-Substituted Benzohydroxamic Acids

Abstract

Abstract As part of our investigations on the structure-reactivity relationships in protonation and hydrolysis of hydroxamic acids, we have now studied a series of 4-substituted benzohydroxamic acids (4-X-C6H4.CO.NH(OH), with X = H, Me, OMe, Cl, Br, F and NO2) in aqueous sulfuric acid. Good correlation was observed pointing out the validity of the Hammett equation. The protonation constant, ionization constant and rate constant for acid- and base-catalysed hydrolysis reactions seems are to be related in a linear free-energy (LEER) fashion.