AbstractThe kinetics of electron transfer reactions between acetophenones with Ce(IV) have been studied in aqueous acetic acid medium in the presence of cationic micelle Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPyCl) at different temperatures. Kinetic data reveal first‐order dependence with respect to each of Ce(IV) and acetophenones. The cationic micelle, Cetylpyridinium chloride enhances the oxidation reactions. The catalysis fits to a model developed by Menger and Portnoy as well as Berezin's phase separation model. The binding and partition constants and the transfer free energy from water to micelle have been estimated and discussed, suggesting that the solubilization of both the reactants in the micellar phase, facilitates the oxidation. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.