Formation of a cyclic tetrahedral intermediate by the addition of water to 2-methyl-4H- 3,1-benzoxazine followed by ring opening to 2-aminobenzyl acetate and 2-acetylaminobenzyl alcohol; pH-dependence of rate of reaction and product ratio

Kinetic studies have shown that addition of water to protonated 2-methyl-4H-3,1-benzoxazine occurs to give a cyclic tetrahedral carbonyl addition intermediate. At pH <5, the intermediate is protonated and reacts to 2-aminobenzyl acetate, whereas at pH >7.5, the unprotonated intermediate collapses to give 2-acetylaminobenzyl alcohol. The former reaction is catalysed by buffer base but the latter is uncatalysed. At pH 9-12, reaction of hydroxide ion with protonated 2-methyl-4H-3,1-benzoxazine to give 2-acetylaminobenzyl alcohol becomes important, and at pH >12, the same product is formed by reaction of hydroxide ion with unprotonated 2-methyl-4H-3,1-benzoxazine.