Influence of Solvent Composition on the Rates of Basic Hydrolysis of Cinnamic Esters

The effect of dielectric character of a solvent on the basic hydrolysis of ethyl cinnamate, methyl cinnamate was studied in various mixed solvents like ethanol-water and acetone-water mixtures. The results have been discussed in the light of Laidler-Landskroener expression. Linear relationship was found between the rate constant and Grumwald-Winstein 'Y' values of the solvent compositions.