Abstract: 4-Nitrophenyl4-substituted-phenacyl methylphosphonate esters (CH3, H, CH30, NOa, and Cl) decompose in aqueous buffers 1-4 orders of magnitude faster than analogs with alkoxy substituents not containing a &carbonyl group. This is consistent with an intramolecular displacement of 4-nitrophenol by the anion of the carbonyl hydrate. 1x0 incorporation into the hydrolysis product of the 4-CH3 derivative from H2180 in alkaline ...