The effect of ultrasound on the solvolysis of 2-chloro-2-methylpropane in aqueous ethanol

Ultrasonic irradiation has been found to accelerate the solvolysis of 2-chloro-2-methylpropane in aqueous ethanol mixtures from 20 to 60% w/w in ethanol at temperatures between 10° and 25°. The effects are more marked at lower temperatures and higher alcohol compositions with a 20 fold rate acceleration occurring at 10° and 60% w/w. The results also lend independent support to two previous observations that (a) the position of maximum in solvent structuredness is 50% w/w and (b) a logarithmic relationship exists between solvent vapour pressure and ultrasonically enhanced rate constant. At solvent compositions of 50 and 60% w/w ethanol the absolute rate of reaction under irradiation increases with decreasing reaction temperature below 20°.