Kinetics of Oxidation of Propyl Ester of 3-Phenylacrylic Acid by Acid Dichromate

Abstract

Kinetics of oxidation of propyl ester of 3-phenyl acrylic acid by
acid dichromate ions are studied. The order of reaction with respect
to chromium(lV), ester and the hydrogen ions is one in each case.
The rate decreases in the presence of manganous ions. Oxidation
products of the ester (i) when the ester is in excess are benzaldehyde
and propyl glyoxal ate and (ii) when acid dichromate is in excess it
is benzoic acid. The effect of temperature on rates is studied and
thermodynamic parameters are calculated. A probable mechanism
for the reaction is suggested on the basis of the product analysis.