A nonlinear regression model applied to kinetic studies of ester hydrolysis with a surface acoustic wave sensor

A non-linear regression model was derived for the simultaneous determination of the rate constant in alkaline hydrolysis of esters and the initial concentration of esters based on the linear relationship between the frequency response of the surface acoustic wave sensor system and the conductivity of the solution. The model was tested theoretically and experimentally with the methyl-, ethyl-, and n-propyl-acetate systems. The corresponding rate constants estimated at 25 degrees C are 0.147, 0.103 and 0.0671 respectively.