Kinetics of Oxidation of Benzoin by N. Bromosuccinimide

Abstract

Kinetics of Oxidation of Benzoin by N. Bromosuccinimide[NBS] 80% aqueous acetic acid has been investigated. The reaction follows first-order kinetics with respect to both[NBS] and [benzoin]. The effect of varying ionic strength and dielectric constant indicate the reaction is dipole-dipole type. Addition of succinimide(>NH), has a retarding effect on the rate of oxidation. The product of oxidation is benzil. By studying the effect of temparature on the reaction rate, the Arrhenius and the activation parameters have been calculated. A suitable mechanism has been proposed and a rate low explaining the experiment results is derived.