The mechanism of the hydrolytic decomposition of phenylureas in basic media in the pH range 12 to 14 is investigated. In this pH range a levelling of the rate–pH curve is observed as well as a change of the substituent influence on the hydrolysis rate. These experimental findings suggest the formation of an unreactive side product of the phenylurea in a parasitic side equilibrium at sufficiently high pH. The urea dissociates at the aryl–NH group to give ...
