We havc studied the first step of the solvolysis of cis-and trans-2-arylcyclopentyl p-toluenesulfonates in HCOOH, AcOH, and EtOH. All substrates show a high kinetic I-deuterium isotope effect ( / C~/ / C~( ,~ > 1.15). This fact indicates that the first step leads to a classical intimate ion-pair which dissociates to a solvent-separated ion-pair, without participation either of the solvent, the 2-aryl group, or a H-atom at C(2). The slight influence of added basic ions on reaction rate allows us to exclude any direct solvent attack on the covalent substrate even in the most favorable case, i.e. ethanolysis of 2-(p-nitrophenyl)cyclopentyl p-toluenesulfonates. Furthermore, solventseparated ion pair formation is indicated by the special salt effect induced by LiC10,.