The hydrolysis of phosphate diesters in cyclohexane and acetone

Abstract

The hydrolysis of phosphate diesters is one of the most difficult reactions known. Here we show that in acetone or cyclohexane, at 25°C, phosphodiesters undergo hydrolysis 5 × 105 and 2 × 109-fold more rapidly than in water, respectively, and that this rate enhancement is achieved by lowering the enthalpy of activation. © 2010 The Royal Society of Chemistry.