The kinetics of base-catalyzed isomerization and hydration of butadiene sulfones has been studied by using the gas chromatographic method. The reaction has been shown to be first-order with respect to each of the three components, i.e., α-butadiene sulfone, β-butadiene sulfone, and alcohol, in this complex reaction system. It is also first-order with respect to base, and second-order overall.

The rate constants and relative rate constants of this reaction system have been obtained in the range of 35 to 55° C. The thermodynamic quantities of the reversible isomerization of β-butadiene sulfone to a-butadiene sulfone have been evaluated. The heat of isomerization obtained in this investigation is consistent with an independent thermochemical measurement.