A number of 2‐imidazolines have been hydrolyzed in basic 95% ethanol, and the activation energies and half‐lives of these reactions have been determined. The reactions are base catalyzed and lead to the formation of amides through fission of the ring between positions one and two. The reaction rates are strongly influenced by various ring substituents.

A 1,2-disubstituted-2-imidazoline was hydrolyzed in aqueous solutions of varying PH. The rate of reaction approaches a maximum a s the base concentration is increased. Salt effects and activation energies also seem to vary with PH.Alkyl substituted Zimidazolines a r e subject to base catalyzed hydrolysis wherein it appears that the initial reaction is an attack by hydroxide ion at the number two carbon of the ring. Subsequent reaction leads to ring fission and the formation of an amide. U.V. h max (ethanol) 231 mp, E , 5,440. U.V. h max (water) 231 mp, E , 5,210. U.V. h max (HCI solution) 231 q~, E , 5,320. Kinetic Studies.The method for followingthese reactions is the same as was reported earller (' 2).Mdazoltne concentrationwas about 1 x lo-' molar and temperature was maintained at 29.6'. All PH measurements were made with a Beckman model G PH meter using a blue glass electrode.Acknowledgment.