Rate of hydrolysis of Na4P2O7 and Na5P3O10 at 100°C and the effect of urea

31P NMR analysis has been used to measure the rates of hydrolysis of Na4P2O7 and Na5P3O10 at 100°; the rate constants are 6.07 x 10−3 and 2.24 x 10−1 hr−1 respectively. The presence of urea has a catalytic effect on the former but an inhibiting effect on the latter. These observations are explained by the hydrogen-bonding capabilities of urea.