The experimental results for the 2-propanolysis of benzoyl, benzyl, benzene sulphenyl and benzene sulphonyl chlorides obtained by conductimetric technique were compared with estimates for chlorobenzene which is extremely unreactive as an electrophile. We thus obtained the following reactivity sequence: PhSCl>PhCOCl>PhSO2Cl>PhCH2 Cl>PhCl with rate-coefficiente ratios (in the same order): 9.5 x 10(4) : 1: 7.14 x 10-2 : 4.7 x 10-3 : about 10-26. We have discussed these results in specific terms and with the aid of general conclusions which stem from our own classification of electrophiles.
2-propanolysis; electrophilic carbon and sulphur centres; solvolysis mechanism