Base catalysis in the reactions between 2-fluoro-6-nitrobenzothiazole and aliphatic amines in benzene

The kinetic features of the title reactions have been studied. The experimental second-order rate constants increase on increasing the initial concentration of amine used. In some cases an overall third order is observed. The catalytic power of α-pyridone emphasizes the presence of bifunctional catalysis. The data are discussed in terms of steric requirements. Temperature effects on base-catalysed and uncatalysed reactions are discussed.