Studies on Oxidation of Alcohols by Cerium (IV)-dimer in Aqueous Nitric acid

Abstract

The oxidation of alcohols, n-propanol, 2-methoxy ethanol and 2-ethoxy ethanol by cerium (IV) in nitric acid leads to the formation of corresponding aldehydes. The reaction is first order with respect to Ce(IV). A Michaelis-Menten type kinetics is observed with respect to alcohols. The reaction is retarded by initial [Ce(IV)] with increase in concentration of oxidant. The reaction exhibits participation of 2 mole of cerium (IV) with 1 mole of alcohols. It has been concluded that Ce(IV)-dimer participate in the oxidation process and formation of free radical through complex ion formation in the nitric acid medium.