Kinetics and mechanism of chromic acid oxidation of oxalic acid in absence and presence of different acid media. A kinetic study

Abstract

Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of Cr(VI) with oxalic acid have been studied in presence and absence of H2SO4, HClO4, and CH3COOH by monitoring the formation of Cr(III)-oxalic acid complex at 560 nm. The effect of total [oxalic acid], [Cr(VI)], [H2SO4], [HClO4], and [CH3COOH] on the reaction rate was determined at 30°C. Formation of carbon dioxide was also confirmed. The oxidation rate increases with [oxalic acid] and [CH3COOH] while it decreases with [H2SO4], [HClO4], and pH. The rate law governing the oxidation of oxalic acid over a wide range of conditions is rate=k1Kes1 [oxalic acid]T [Cr(VI)]T 1+Kes1 [oxalic acid]T, where only undissociated oxalic acid is kinetically active. Kinetic evidence for the formation of a Cr(VI)(SINGLEBOND)oxalic acid 1:1 complex has been obtained and the equilibrium constant for their formation has been determined. The 1:1 complex exists most likely in an open chain form. The rate-limiting step of the oxidation reaction involves the breaking of the C(SINGLEBOND)C bond in the 1:2 complex. Oxidizing ability of Cr(VI) species have been discussed. Mechanism with the associated reaction kinetics is assigned. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 30: 335–340, 1998