Kinetic Study of Rh(III) Catalyzed Oxidation of Sucrose by Sodium Periodate in Acidic Medium

Abstract

The kinetics of rhodium(III) catalyzed oxidation of sucrose by sodium periodate in acidic medium has been studied in the temperature range 30-50 ºC. The reaction is carried out in the presence of mercuric acetate as a scavenger for bromide ion. The rate shows first order kinetics with respect to the oxidant i.e., sodium periodate and Rh(III) for sucrose. Negligible effect of mercuric acetate and ionic strength of the medium was observed and the reaction showed no effect of [Cl^–] and [H⁺] on the reaction rate for sucrose. A suitable mechanism in conformity with the kinetic observations has been proposed and the thermodynamic parameters computed.