Kinetics of oxidation of some aliphatic primary and secondary alcoholsviz.,ethanol, propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, butan-1-ol, butan-2-ol and 2-methyl butanol by pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) have been studied in water- perchloric acid medium. The reaction shows first order dependence with respect to pyridinium chlorochromate [PCC] and hydrogen ion [H+]. The rate of oxidation decreases with increase in dielectric constant of solvent suggests ion-dipole interaction. Activation parameters have been evaluated. Products are carbonyl compounds and free radical absence was proved. A tentative mechanism has been proposed.

Pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) act as two electron oxidant in kinetic studies of the oxidation of lactic and mandelic acid in acidic medium. The influence of several factors such as acidity, salts, solvent composition and temperature on the reaction rate has been studied. The reaction shows first order dependence with respect to [PCC] and [H+]. The various thermodynamic parameters have been evaluated. Products as oxoacids and absence of free radical were confirmed. Suitable reaction mechanism has been proposed.