A Kinetic and Mechanistics Study of Periodate Oxidation of o-Ethylaniline in Acetone-Water Medium

Abstract

The kinetics of oxidation of o-toluidine by periodate in acetonewater
medium has been studied. The order with respect to both
oxidant and substrate has been found to be one in each. The rate
increases on increasing ionic strength while it decreases with a
decrease in dielectric constant. The rate-pH profile has been given
and discussed. There is no effect of free radical scavengers on rate
of reaction. The thermodynamic parameters are also presented and
discussed. The main product of oxidation is methyl-1,4-benzoquinone,
which is confirmed by spectroscopic studies and melting
point. A suitable mechanism has been proposed and the rate law
derived.