Abstract
The kinetic behavior of the acid-catalyzed Pummerer reaction of α-(methylsulfinyl)acetophenones in dilute hydrochloric acid has been studied in detail. The kinetic data were analyzed in the light of correlations between the reaction rates and acidity functions, activation parameters, solvent isotope effects, polar effects of substituents, etc. Moreover, 18O-tracer experiments were also carried out using acid media containing H2 18O. Based on these observations, a plausible mechanism for this reaction has been discussed.