Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun. 1993, 58, 1624-1630
https://doi.org/10.1135/cccc19931624

Oxidation of α-Hydroxy Acids with Quinolinium Dichromate - A Kinetic Study

Kailasa Arunaa, Prerepa Manikyambaa and Embar Venkatachari Sundaramb

a Department of Chemistry, University Arts and Science College, Warangal 506 010, Andhra Pradesh, India
b Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya University, Warangal 506 009, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Oxidation of lactic acid, α-hydroxyphenyllacetic acid and its 4-chloro derivative with quinolinium dichromate (QDC) in 30% (v/v) aqueous acetic acid at 303 K are first order in QDC and first-order in hydroxy acids. The reactions are acid-catalyzed and a medium of low dielectric constant favours the oxidation. The products are the corresponding aldehydes. Thermodynamic parameters are evaluated and a mechanism involving a C-C bond cleavage is proposed.