The rate constants of the hydrolysis of phenylvinylsulfone were determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry at various pH and a rate equation which can be applied over wide pH range was obtained. The reaction mechanism of hydrolysis of phenylvinylsulfone and especially the catalytic contribution of hydroxide ion which did not study carefully before in acidic media, can be fully explained by the rate equation obtained. The rate equation reveals that: below pH 7, the reaction is initiated by the addition of water molecule to phenylvinylsulfone. At above pH 9, the overall rate constant is only dependent upon the concentration of hydroxide ion.