Kinetic Study on the Photo-oxidation of Oxalate Ion by Iodine

Abstract

The kinetics of photo-oxidation of oxalate ion in acidic medium by aquo iodine has been investigated at 297 K. The reaction follows identical kinetics and obeys the rate law, rate = k[(COO)^2–₂][I₂][H⁺]^x– where x is less than unity. Addition of Cl^– in the form of HCl has no effect on the reaction rate, whereas the reaction product, I^– has appreciable influence on the reaction rate. Variation of ionic strength and dielectric constant of the medium and the rate of reaction have been studied.