A kinetic study of the oxidation of formaldehyde by the octacyanomolybdate(V) ion in aqueous alkaline medium

Abstract

The kinetics of the oxidation of formaldehyde by octacyanomolybdate(V) ions has been studied in aqueous alkaline medium. A formaldehydedependent and -independent reaction has been observed. The HCHO-dependent reaction displays first order kinetics in [Mo(CN) 83-], [HCHO], [OH -] and alkali metal ion catalysis was observed. The rate law is consistent with:Activation parameters for both the formaldehyde-dependent and -independent reaction have been obtained. The activation parameters for the HCHO-independent reaction provide evidence for the identification of the reaction. A reaction mechanism is proposed.