Chapter 25, Problem 25.30AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A curved arrow mechanism for the hydrolysis of trimethyl phosphate to dimethyl phosphate in acidic solution containing ${ }^{18}\mathrm{O}$ labelled water which gives methanol containing ${ }^{18}\mathrm{O}$ and dimethyl phosphate containing no isotope is to be written.

Concept Introduction:

The hydrolysis of trimethyl phosphate produces methanol and dimethyl phosphate as the products. The sequence in which bond breaking takes place decides the product which will contain the labelled oxygen atom used in the reaction.