AbstractThe kinetics of the alkaline hydrolysis of five diol monoesters and related esters in aqueous DMSO, aqueous acetone, and aqueous ethanol are reported. A novel solvent dependency of the reactivity pattern of the various esters is noticed. The results are explained on the basis of an internal stabilization of the transition state and the influences of the various solvent systems on such transition states. It is suggested that such dipolar aprotic–protic solvent influences on reaction rates can be used as a criterion in the assessment of anchimeric assistance in such reactions.