A Kinetic Mechanism Study of Periodate Oxidation of N,N-Dimethyl-p-Toluidine in Acetone-Water Medium

Abstract

The kinetics of oxidation of N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine by

periodate in acetone-water medium has been studied. The order with

respect to both oxidant and substrate has been found to be one in

each case. 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 confirmed

by IR and NMR study was N-methyl, 4-methyl, o-benzoquinoneirnine.

A suitable mechanism has been proposed and the

rate law derived.