The kinetics of the chromic acid oxidation of acetaldehyde

The kinetics for the reaction of the oxidation of acetaldehyde by chromic acid in aqueous medium has been studied in an attempt to extend the present knowledge of oxidation by chromic acid. In particular, these experiments were undertaken in order to see if there are any similarities between this reaction and the oxidation of isopropyl alcohol in aqueous medium, which other investigators have studied. The main runs were carried out at 25°, at an ionic strength of 0.3. The reaction was followed by the decrease in chromic acid concentration as determined with the Beckman Spectrophotometer. In all of the runs, the concentrations of acetaldehyde and H⁺ were in excess of the chromic acid concentrations. It was found that the oxidation of acetaldehyde is first order in acetaldehyde and first order in HCrO₄⁻, (but not strictly first order in total chromic acid). The reaction is roughly second order in H⁺. Mn⁺² has an inhibitory effect upon the rate, as has been found in the isopropyl alcohol oxidation. Because of the similarity in kinetic behavior between acetaldehyde and isopropyl alcohol, the mechanisms are probably very similar. This mechanism for acetaldehyde oxidation has been discussed in some detail.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemistry

Department dc:contributor.department

Chemistry

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Year dc:date.issued

1952

Author dc:creator

• McCarthy, Edward Raymond

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10919/53499

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/53499