Abstract: A study of the effect of micelles on the aqueous solvolysis of alkylp- trimethylammonium benzenesulfonates (“amsylates”) has revealed that anionic micelles strongly inhibit the rate, and in some cases modify the stereochemistry, of the reaction. The mechanism of these solvolyses has been examined in detail. The results suggest that the rate inhibition is due to the squeezing out of water from the Stern layer of the mixed ...