Base-catalysed hydrolysis of (E)- and (Z)-mevinphos

The rates at which (E)- and (Z)-mevinphos are hydrolysed in aqueous solutions in the pH range 8.7–11.5, and in the temperature range 30–50°C, have been measured. The overall activation parameters have been calculated, and equations to allow calculation of the rates in any basic conditions are given. The complicated routes by which (E)- and (Z)-mevinphos are hydrolysed to simple molecules have been deduced. The rates for the individual steps in each route have been either measured experimentally, or have been calculated through analogue simulation of all the reactions, by matching the calculated to the observed ultraviolet spectral changes during hydrolysis. It is proposed that (Z)-2-carboxyl-1-methylvinyl dimethyl phosphate is not observed as a hydrolysis product of (Z)-mevinphos because it decomposes by an extremely fast intramolecular reaction. The reasons for the greater lability of (E)-mevinphos are also discussed.