Oxidative behaviours and relative reactivities of some α-hydroxy acids towards bromate ion in hydrochloric acid medium

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)89029-3

The oxidation kinetics of some α-hydroxy acids by potassium bromate in dilute hydrochloric acid medium have been studied. The reactions are first order with respect to bromate ion. α-hydroxy acid and hydrogen ion concentrations. The reaction rate is governed by two factors : (i) the ease with which the protonated hydroxy acid is produced and (ii) the stability of the intermediate (1:1) bromate ester. The activation parameters of the reactions have been compared. The plausible mechanism of the oxidation process has been suggested. The reactivity of the α-hydroxy acids towards bromate ion are as follows: 9-hydroxy-9-carboxy fluorene> atrolactic acid> mandelic acid> benzilic acid> α-hydroxyisobutyric acid> lactic acid> glycolic acid.