Uncatalysed Oxidation of D-(+) Galactose by Cerium (IV) in Aqueous Acidic Medium-A Kinetic and Mechanistic Approach

The Kinetics investigation of uncatalysed oxidation of D-(+) galactose by cerium (IV) have been studied in an acidic medium in the temperature range 308-328K. The reaction has been found to be first order with respect to D-(+) galactose in an uncatalysed reaction. The effect of [HSO4-] has also been observed. The rate of reaction decreased with increasing the ionic strength of the medium. A 1:2 stoichiometry is observed in the oxidation reaction. From the effect of temperature on the reaction rate, various activation parameters have been computed. The various thermodynamic parameters were calculated form rate measurements at 308, 313, 318, 323 and 328 K respectively. A suitable mechanism has been proposed and a rate law explaining the experimental observations.