AbstractThe rate constants of hydrolysis of 2‐[2‐(ω‐hydroxyalkoxy)alkyl]‐substituted 1,3‐dioxolanes and 1,3‐dioxanes (1–6) in aqueous HCl solution were determined. For two selected acetals, the parameters of active complexes were also evaluated. The acetals studied were found to be more stable than 2‐alkyl‐substituted 1,3‐dioxolanes and 1,3‐dioxanes. The presence of ether‐oxygen in β‐position with respect to the acetal grouping in molecules of 2‐[2‐(ω‐hydroxyalkoxy)alkyl]‐substituted 1,3‐dioxolanes and 1,3‐dioxa