The solvolysis of (R)-3-chloro-3, 7-dimethyloctane (2), of the corresponding hydrogen phthalate (S)-4g, and of the p-nitrobenzoate (S [hair space])-4h proceeds with up to 87% inversion of configuration in solvents such as methanol or ethanol. The degree of inversion decreases in more dissociating solvents. In 2, 2, 2-trifluoroethanol (TFE), up to 40% retention of configuration occurs.
