Oxidation of Some Aliphatic Alcohols by Pyridinium Chlorochromate -Kinetics and Mechanism

Abstract

Kinetics of oxidation of some aliphatic primary and secondary alcohols viz., ethanol, propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, butan-1-ol, butan-2-ol and 2-methyl butanol by pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) have been studied in water- perchloric acid medium. The reaction shows first order dependence with respect to pyridinium chlorochromate [PCC] and hydrogen ion [H+]. The rate of oxidation decreases with increase in dielectric constant of solvent suggests ion-dipole interaction. Activation parameters have been evaluated. Products are carbonyl compounds and free radical absence was proved. A tentative mechanism has been proposed.