Abstract
This review examines the base catalysed hydrolysis process for cobalt(III) complexes. An overview of the reaction from its initial development to the present day is presented. The various mechanisms developed over the years, including S N 1CB, ion-pair, pseudo-base (covalent hydration), pseudo-aminate and E2 mechanisms, are presented and examined. Electronic, bulk steric, leaving group and solvent effects are covered. The question of and evidence for reduced coordination number intermediates is addressed in some detail. The review places an emphasis on current directions of research.