Oxidative polymerization of acrylamide in the presence of thioglycolic acid

Chemical polymerization of acrylamide at room temperature was examined by using thioglycolic acid-cerium (IV) sulfate and thioglycolic acid-KMnO₄ redox systems in acid aqueous medium. Water soluble polyacrylamides containing thioglycolic acid end groups were synthesized. The effects of the molar ratio of acrylamide to Ce(IV) n _AAm /n _Ce(IV) , the polymerization time, the temperature, the monomer concentration, the molar ratio of cerium (IV) sulfate to thioglycolic acid and the concentration of sulfuric acid on the yield and molecular weight of polymer were investigated. Lower molar ratios of acrylamide/Ce(IV) at constant monomer concentration resulted in an increase in the yield but a decrease in molecular weight of polymer. The increase of reaction temperature from 20 to 70°C resulted in a decrease in the yield but generally resulted in a constant value for the molecular weight of polymer. With increasing polymerization time, the yield and molecular weight of polymer did not change substantially. Ce(IV) and Mn(VII) ions are reduced to Ce(III) and Mn(II) ions respectively in the polymerization reaction. The existence of Ce(III) ion bound to polymer was investigated by UV-visible spectrophotometry and fluoresce measurements. The amount of Mn(II) incorporated into the polymer was determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The mechanism of this phenomenon is discussed.     

Aqueous polymerization of acrylamide initiated by cerium(IV)–amino acid chelating agent redox initiators

Amino acid-type chelating agents such as nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), nitrilotripropionic acid (NPA), iminodiacetic acid (IDA), and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) were used in combination with cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate [Ce(IV)] as the redox initiators for the aqueous polymerizations of acrylamide (AM). The polymerization behaviors and polymer qualities were studied as functions of the concentrations of Ce(IV), chelating agent, AM, as well as temperature. The performances of the chelating agent redox systems varied with the natures of the chelating agents. The NTA–Ce(IV) initiator showed the most promising polymerization rate and conversion. The blank tests for the reactions of cerium and chelating agents were also conducted for finding mechanism of formation of free radicals and determining their complex formation constants (K) and disproportionation constants (k_d). The mechanism for the polymerization was proposed and the kinetic parameters were evaluated. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Effects of TEMED and EDTA on the structural and mechanical properties of NIPAAm/Na+MMT composite hydrogels

N‐isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAAm) hydrogels are known as thermosensitive crosslinked polymer networks. In this work, the network parameters of their composites, i.e., NIPAAm/sodium montmorillonite (NIPAAm/Na⁺MMT) hydrogels synthesized by free radical solution polymerization in the presence of two different types of accelerator (tetramethyl ethylenediamine (TEMED) and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)) and initiator (potassium persulphate (K₂S₂O₈) and cerium ammonium nitrate ((NH₄)₂Ce(NO₃)₆), Ce(IV)) using five different clay content (in the range of 1.0–5.0 wt % of total monomer concentration) at 25 °C were presented and discussed. FTIR spectra, XRD patterns, SEM photographs, and network parameters of the samples indicated that the presence of COOH groups on EDTA molecules was resulted in the formation of exfoliated structures and the activity of EDTA/KPS redox pair was higher than those of TEMED/KPS and EDTA/Ce (IV) pairs. The compression moduli (G) of the hydrogels initiated with EDTA/Ce(IV) redox pair showed smooth and continual changings with increase in Na⁺MMT content (for swelling equilibrium at 25 °C) on the contrary of EDTA/KPS and TEMED/KPS pairs. It might be related to low initiator efficiency of cerium ammonium nitrate than KPS molecules, having higher effective crosslinking density with increasing clay content. On the other hand, the G moduli of NIPAAm/Na⁺MMT hydrogels (above their phase transition temperature) initiated with TEMED/KPS redox pair were higher than the others because of the more hydrophobic nature of TEMED molecules. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1256–1264, 2010     

Vinyl Polymerization Initiated by Ceric Ion–Ethyl Cellosolve Redox System in Aqueous Nitric Acid

Abstract

Polymerizations of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and acrylonitrile (AN) were carried out in aqueous nitric acid at 30°C with the redox initiator system ammonium ceric nitrate-ethyl cellosolve (EC). A short induction period was observed as well as the attainment of a limiting conversion for polymerization reactions. The consumption of ceric ion was first order with respect to Ce(IV) concentration in the concentration range (0.2–0.4) × 10^?2 M, and the points at higher and lower concentrations show deviations from a linear fit. The plots of the inverse of pseudo-first-order rate constant for ceric ion consumption, (k ¹)^?1 vs [EC]^?1, gave straight lines for both the monomer systems with nonzero intercepts supporting complex formation between Ce(IV) and EC. The rate of polymerization increases regularly with [Ce(IV)] up to 0.003 M, yielding an order of 0.41, then falls to 0.0055 M and again shows a rise at 0.00645 M for MMA polymerization. For AN polymerization, R _p shows a steep rise with [Ce(IV)] up to 0.001 M, and beyond this concentration R _p shows a regular increase with [Ce(IV)], yielding an order of 0.48. In the presence of constant [NO^? ₃], MMA and AN polymerizations yield orders of 0.36 and 0.58 for [Ce(IV)] variation, respectively. The rates of polymerization increased with an increase in EC and monomer concentrations: only at a higher concentration of EC (0.5 M) was a steep fall in R _p observed for both monomer systems. The orders with respect to EC and monomer for MMA polymerization were 0.19 and 1.6, respectively. The orders with respect to EC and monomer for AN polymerization were 0.2 and 1.5, respectively. A kinetic scheme involving oxidation of EC by Ce(IV) via complex formation, whose decomposition gives rise to a primary radical, initiation, propagation, and termination of the polymeric radicals by biomolecular interaction is proposed. An oxidative termination of primary radicals by Ce(IV) is also included.     

铬(III)离子催化铈(IV)离子氧化四氢糠醇的反应动力学及机理

在酸性介质中用氧化还原滴定法研究了铈(IV)离子在铬(III)离子催化作用下, 于25～40 ℃区间氧化四氢糠醇的反应动力学. 结果表明反应对铈(IV)和四氢糠醇均为一级. 准一级速率常数k_obs随催化剂[Cr(III)]增加而增大, 亦随[H^＋]增加而增大, 而随增加而减小. 在氮气保护下, 反应不能引发丙烯酰胺聚合, 说明在反应中没有自由基产生. 提出了催化剂、底物和氧化剂间生成双核加合物的反应机理. 通过k_obs与的依赖关系, 并结合Ce(IV)在溶液中的平衡, 找到了本反应体系的动力学活性物种是Ce(SO₄)₂. 还计算出一些速率常数及相应的活化参数.     

Aqueous polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by the redox system Ce(IV)–isopropyl alcohol. Kinetics and molecular weight

Polymerization of methyl methacrylate was carried out in aqueous nitric acid in the temperature range 26–40°C, with the redox initiator system ceric ammonium nitrate–isopropyl alcohol. A short induction period was observed, as well as the attainment of a limiting conversion, and the total ceric ion consumption with reaction time. The reaction orders were 1/2 and 3/2 with respect to the IPA and monomer concentration, respectively, within the range (3–5) × 10^?3M of Ce(IV). But at lower Ce(IV) concentration (≤ 1 × 10^?3M), the order with respect to monomer and Ce(IV) changed to 1 and 1/2, respectively. The rate of ceric ion disappearance was first order with respect to Ce(IV) concentration and (R_Ce)^?1 was proportional to [IPA]^?1. Both the rate of polymerization and the rate of ceric ion consumption increase with rise in temperature. The average-molecular weight can be controlled by variations in IPA, Ce(IV), and monomer concentrations, and in temperature. A kinetic scheme involving oxidation of IPA by Ce(IV) via complex formation, whose decomposition gives rise to a primary radical, initiation, propagation, and termination of the polymeric radicals by bimolecular interaction is proposed. An oxidative termination of primary radicals by Ce(IV) is also included.     

Cationic polymerization of isobutylene by complexes of alkylaluminum dichlorides with diisopropyl ether: An activating effect of water

The RAlCl₂ × OⁱPr₂‐co‐initiated (R = ⁱBu or Et) cationic polymerization of isobutylene in the presence of externally added water (0.016–0.1 mM) in nonpolar n‐hexane at 10 °C and high monomer concentration ([IB] = 5.8 M) has been investigated. It was shown that the sequence of H₂O introduction into the system had the crucial effect on the polymerization rate, saturated monomer conversion, and, to a lesser extent, the content of exo‐olefin end groups. Particularly, the highest polymerization rate (>70% of monomer conversion in 10 min) and acceptable exo‐olefin end groups content (～83%) were observed when ⁱBuAlCl₂ × 0.8OⁱPr₂ reacted with suspended in n‐hexane H₂O before the monomer addition. Better functionality can be obtained when H₂O is introduced into the system in the course of the polymerization (after 3–10 min since the initiation of reaction). Under these conditions, highly reactive polyisobutylenes (exo‐olefin content is 86–89%) with desired low molecular weight (M_n = 1000–2000 g mol^?1) in a high yield (75–90% of monomer conversion in 20 min) were readily synthesized. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 2386–2393     

Cerium (IV)-2-chloroethanol redox-pair initiated polymerization of acrylamide in aqueous medium

The kinetics of acrylamide polymerization has been investigated by employing cericammoniumnitrate-2-chloroethanol redox pair under nitrogen atmosphere at 30 ± 1°C. The rate of monomer disappearance is directly proportional to the concentration of 2-chloroethanol (1.0 × 10^?2 ? 10.0 × 10^?2 mol. dm^?3) and is inversely proportional to the ceric ion concentration (2.5 × 10^?3 ? 10.0 × 10^?3 mol. dm^?3) but shows square dependence to the concentration of monomer (5.0 × 10^?2 ? 25.0 × 10^?2 mol. dm^?3). The rate of ceric ion disappearance is directly proportional to the initial concentration of ceric ion and 2-chloroethanol but independent of acrylamide concentration. The viscometric average molecular weight (M _v) decreases on increasing the concentration of ceric ion and increases on increasing the concentrations of acrylamide and 2-chloroethanol. A tentative mechanism has been proposed.     

Vinyl polymerization of acrylamide initiated by Thallium(III) ions in solution

Kinetics of polymerization of acrylamide initiated by Thallium(III) perchlorate was investigated in aqueous perchloric acid medium in the temperature range of 55–70°C. The rates of polymerization were measured varying the concentration of the monomer, initiator, and perchloric acid. The rate of polymerization was found to increase with increase of temperature, monomer concentration, initiator concentration, and perchloric acid concentration. The effect of additives like different solvents, surfactants, and retarders on the rate of polymerization was studied. Molecular weights of the polymer were determined by viscometry. The chain transfer constants for the monomer (C_M) and that for the solvent dioxan (C_s) were calculated to be 7.33 × 10^?3 and 6.66 × 10^?3, respectively. From the Arrhenius plot, the overall activation energy (E_a) was calculated to be 10.68 kcal/mol. The energy of initiation was calculated to be 12.36 kcal/mol. Depending on the results obtained, a suitable reaction mechanism has been suggested and a rate equation has been derived.     

Study on aqueous polymerizations of vinyl monomers initiated by metal oxidant–chelating agent redox initiators

In this study, a series of chelating type reductants containing redox pairs were tested as the initiator for aqueous polymerizations. The redox pairs consist of Ce(IV) or several first-row transition metals coupled with chelating agents of amino acids, dibasic acids, or diamine. The initial rates and limiting conversions of acrylamide polymerization initiated by those redox pairs were determined. The reductive reactivity of the chelating agents with Ce(IV) and the oxidative half-wave potential of Ce(III)-chelating agent/Ce(IV)-chelating agent were measured to evaluate the feasibility of these redox pairs as initiators. After the evaluation, the redox pairs other than Ce(IV)-amino acid type chelating agent were precluded to be promising initiators for aqueous polymerizations. Those Ce(IV)-amino acid type chelating agent redox pairs which could form at least two five- or six-membered rings were found to be potential initiators. The Ce(IV)-NTA pair was the most promising one. The mechanism of initiation of the redox pairs was proposed and further confirmed by the ¹³C- and ¹H-NMR spectra of NTA-terminated polyacrylamide. The complex formation constants (K) and disproportionation constants (k_d) of the Ce(IV)-amino acid type chelating agent redox initiators for acrylamide polymerization were evaluated. The factors governing the parameters of chelated complexes and the performance of polymerizations were discussed. These redox pairs were also used as the initiators for aqueous polymerizations of acrylic acid and acrylonitrile. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Vinyl polymerization: Kinetics of Ce(IV)–acetophenone-initiated polymerization of acrylonitrile in acetic–sulfuric acid mixtures

The polymerization of acrylonitrile (M) initiated by the Ce(IV)–acetophenone (AP) redox pair has been studied in acetic–sulfuric acid mixtures in a nitrogen atmosphere. The rate of polymerization is proportional to [M]^3/2, [AP]^1/2 and [Ce(IV)]^1/2. The rate of disappearance of ceric ion,–R_Ce, is proportional to [AP], [M], and [Ce(IV)]. The effect of certain salts, solvent, acid and temperature on both the rates have been investigated. A suitable kinetic scheme has been proposed, and the composite rate constants k_p ²(k/k/_t) and k₀/k_i are reported.     

Ruthenium(III)‐mediated oxidation of D‐mannitol by cerium(IV) in aqueous sulfuric acid medium: A kinetic and mechanistic approach

The oxidation of D ‐mannitol by cerium(IV) has been studied spectrophotometrically in aqueous sulfuric acid medium at 25°C at constant ionic strength of 1.60 mol dm^?3. A microamount of ruthenium(III) (10^?6 mol dm^?3) is sufficient to enhance the slow reaction between D ‐mannitol and cerium(IV). The oxidation products were identified by spot test, IR and GC‐MS spectra. The stoichiometry is 1:4, i.e., [D ‐mannitol]: [Ce(IV)] = 1:4. The reaction is first order in both cerium(IV) and ruthenium(III) concentrations. The order with respect to D ‐mannitol concentration varies from first order to zero order as the D ‐mannitol concentration increases. Increase in the sulfuric acid concentration decreases the reaction rate. The added sulfate and bisulfate decreases the rate of reaction. The active species of oxidant and catalyst are Ce(SO₄)₂ and [Ru(H₂O)₆]³⁺, respectively. A possible mechanism is proposed. The activation parameters are determined with respect to a slow step and reaction constants involved have been determined. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 440–452, 2010     

Kinetic Study of the Bromine-Catalyzed Isomerization of Maleic Acid in Aqueous Ce(IV)-Br−-H2SO4 Medium

The presence of ceric and bromide ions catalyzes the isomerization of maleic acid (MA) to fumaric acid (FA) in aqueous sulfuric acid. A kinetic study of this bromine-catalyzed reaction was carried out. The reaction between ceric ion and maleic acid is first order with respect to Ce(IV). For [Ce(IV)]₀=5.0×10^?4 M, [H₂SO₄]₀=1.2 M, μ=2.0 M (adjusted by NaClO₄), and [MA]₀=(0.5–1.0)M, the observed pseudo-first-order rate constant (k₀₃) at 25° is k₀₃=7.622×10^?5 [MA]₀/(1+0.205[MA]₀). The reaction between ceric and bromide ions is first order with respect to Ce(IV). For [Ce(IV)]₀=5.0×10^?4 M, [H₂SO₄]₀=1.2 M, μ=2.0 M, and [Br^?]₀=(0.025–0.150)M, the pseudo-first-order rate constant (k₀₂) at 25° is k₀₂= (4.313±0.095)x10^?2[Br^?]²+(2.060±0.119)x10^?3[Br^?]. The reaction of Ce(IV) with maleic acid and bromide ion is also first order with respect to Ce(IV). For [Ce(IV)]₀=5.0×10^?4 M, [MA]₀=0.75 M, [H₂SO₄]₀=1.2 M, μ=2.0 M, and [Br^?]₀= (0.025–0.150)M, the pseudo-first-order rate constant (k₀₃) at 25° is k₀₃= (5.286±0.045)x10^?2[Br^?]²+(3.568±0.056)x10^?3[Br^?]. For [Ce(IV)]₀=5.0 × 10^?4 M, [Br^?]₀=0.050 M, [H₂SO₄]₀=1.2 M, μ=2.0 M, and [MA]₀=(0.15–1.0)M at 25°, k₀₃=(2.108×10^?4+2.127×10^?4[MA]₀)/(1+0.205[MA]₀). A mechanism is proposed to rationalize the results. The effect of temperature on the reaction rate was also studied. The energy barrier of Ce(IV)—Br^? reaction is much less than that of Ce(IV)—MA reaction. Maleic and fumaric acids have very different mass spectra. The mass spectrum of fumaric acid exhibits a strong metastable peak at m/e 66.5.     

Kinetics of Aqueous Polymerization of Acrylamide Initiated by Ceric Ammonium Sulfate/2-Mercaptoethanol Redox System

Polymerization of acrylamide monomer, initiated by the redox system involving acidified ceric ammonium sulfate and 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) was carried out in an aqueous medium at 25° C. White, rigid polyacrylamide, isolated under controlled experimental conditions, showed a molecular weight of 1.5 × 10⁴ from viscosity measurements. The rate of monomer (M) conversion to polymer was found to be proportional to [M]^1.5, [2-ME]^0.5, and [Ce(IV)]^0.4. Further, the rate of disappearance of ceric ion was observed to be directly proportional to [2-ME] and independent of [M] in the range of 0.16–0.48 mole/liter. The explanation of the above proportionalities is given in terms of a proposed reaction mechanism. Values of the usual rate constants, k_r, k₀/k_t and k_t./k_p ^½ have been computed.     

Polymerization of Acrylamide with Permanganate/Mercaptosuccinic Acid Initiator System

The aqueous polymerization of acrylamide initiated by the acidified potassium permanganate/mercaptosuccinic acid redox system was studied at 35 ± 0.2°C in nitrogen. In the studied range of activator concentration (2.0 × 10^?3 to 6.25 ± 10^?3 mole/liter) the polymerization rate remains unaffected. The initial rate of polymerization varies linearly with KMnO₄ and acrylamide concentrations in the studied range. The activation energy was found to be 6.61 kcal/mole (27.63 kJ/mole) in the temperature range of 30–50°C. The molecular weight of polyacrylamide was found to be independent of [KMnO₄] but increased with increasing monomer concentration. The effect of DMF on polymerization rate and molecular weight was also investigated.     

Water-soluble copolymers. III. Dextran-g-poly(acrylamides) control of grafting sites and molecular weight by Ce(IV)-induced initiation in homogeneous solutions

Model graft copolymers were synthesized by grafting acrylamide onto dextran (M_w = 500,000) utilizing an initiation method in which a Ce(IV)/HNO₃ solution was added to the dextran solution in order to allow coplexation prior to monomer addition. Three synthetic reaction parameters were optimized on the basis of conversion and solution viscosity: monomer concentration, dextran concentration, and nitric acid concentration. Molar ratios of [Ce(IV)]/[dextran] were changed systematically to affect the number and length of the acrylamide grafts. The number of grafting sites and graft chain lengths, determined by selective hydrolysis of the carbohydrate backbone, were in good agreement with those theortically predicted from knowledge of initiation efficiency and monomer conversion. Rheological studies of the model graft copolymers were conducted in aqueous solutions as a function of temperature, added salt, and copolymer concentration.     

A novel tridentate nitrogen donor as ligand in copper catalyzed ATRP of methyl methacrylate

A tridentate ligand, BPIEP: 2,6‐bis[1‐(2,6‐diisopropyl phenylimino) ethyl] pyridine, having central pyridine unit and two peripheral imine coordination sites was effectively employed in controlled/“living” radical polymerization of MMA at 90°C in toluene as solvent, Cu^IBr as catalyst, and ethyl‐2‐bromoisobutyrate (EBiB) as initiator resulting in well‐defined polymers with polydispersities M_w/M_n ≤ 1.23. The rate of polymerization follows first‐order kinetics, k_app = 3.4 × 10^?5 s^?1, indicating the presence of low radical concentration ([P*] ≤ 10^?8) throughout the reaction. The polymerization rate attains a maximum at a ligand‐to‐metal ratio of 2:1 in toluene at 90°C. The solvent concentration (v/v, with respect to monomer) has a significant effect on the polymerization kinetics. The polymerization is faster in polar solvents like, diphenylether, and anisole, as compared to toluene. Increasing the monomer concentration in toluene resulted in a better control of polymerization. The molecular weights (M_n,SEC) increased linearly with conversion and were found to be higher than predicted molecular (M_n,Cal). However, the polydispersity remained narrow, i.e., ≤1.23. The initiator efficiency at lower monomer concentration approaches a value of 0.7 in 110 min as compared to 0.5 in 330 min at higher monomer concentration. The aging of the copper salt complexed with BPIEP had a beneficial effect and resulted in polymers with narrow polydispersitities and higher conversion. PMMA obtained at room temperature in toluene (33%, v/v) gave PDI of 1.22 (M_n = 8500) in 48 h whereas, at 50°C the PDI is 1.18 (M_n = 10,300), which is achieved in 23 h. The plot of lnk_app versus 1/T gave an apparent activation energy of polymerization as (ΔE^≠_app) 58.29 KJ/mol and enthalpy of equilibrium (ΔH⁰_eq) to 28.8 KJ/mol. Reverse ATRP of MMA was successfully performed using AIBN in bulk as well as solution. The controlled nature of the polymerization reaction was established through kinetic studies and chain extension experiments. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4996–5008, 2005     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel mid‐chain macrophotoinitiator of polyacrylonitrile by Ce(IV)/HNO3 redox system

The polymerization of acrylonitrile initiated by cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate in combination with dihydroxy functional photoinitiator namely, 2‐hydroxy‐1‐[4‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]‐2‐methyl propan‐1‐one (HE‐HMPP), Irgacure 2959, has been investigated in aqueous nitric acid. A novel mid‐chain macrophotoinitiator of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was obtained. The effects of acrylamide (AAm), HE‐HMPP, Ce(IV), and HNO₃ concentrations and temperature on the polymerization rate, monomer conversion, and intrinsic viscosities were investigated. The photodegradation and IR, H NMR, UV, and fluorescence spectroscopic studies revealed that PAN with desired photoinitiator functionality in the middle of the chain was obtained. The obtained PAN was used as prepolymer for photoinduced free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and AAm to produce block copolymers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5404–5413, 2008     

Lifetime of living polymers in cationic polymerization. III. Living polymerization of isobutyl vinyl ether initiated by a cationogen/etalcl2 system in the presence of 1,4-dioxane as an added base

The concentration ([P^*]) and lifetime (half-life) of the propagating species were measured in the living cationic polymerization of isobutyl vinyl either initiated by the 1-(isobutoxy) ethyl acetate [CH₃COOCH (OiBu) CH₃]/ethylaluminum dichloride (EtAlCl₂) system in the presence of excess 1,4-dioxane in n-hexane at 0 to +70°C; the acetate serves as a cationogen that forms an initiating vinyl ether-type carbocation. The measurements were based on the end-capping reaction with sodiomalonic ester [Na^⊕?CH (COOEt)₂], which was shown to react rapidly and quantitatively with the living growing end. From the terminal malonate group of the quenched polymers, [P^*] was determined by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. In contrast to its constancy during the polymerization, [P^*] progressively decreased with time after the complete consumption of monomer. The postpolymerization decay was first order in [P^*], and the lifetime (half-life) of the living end was determined from the decay rate constant. The lifetime increased on lowering polymerization temperature, decreasing EtAlCl₂ concentration, and increasing dioxane concentration. In particular, the “base-stabilized” living ends, generated by the CH₃COOCH (OiBu) CH₃/EtAlCl₂/dioxane system, turned out extremely stable at 0°C (half-life > 5 days in the absence of monomer).     

Manganese(II) catalysed oxidation of glycerol by cerium(IV) in aqueous sulphuric acid medium: a kinetic and mechanistic study

The manganese(II) catalysed oxidation of glycerol by cerium(IV) in aqueous sulphuric acid has been studied spectrophotometrically at 25 °C and I = 1.60 mol dm⁻³. Stoichiometry analysis shows that one mole of glycerol reacts with two moles of cerium(IV) to give cerium(III) and glycolic aldehyde. The reaction is first order in both cerium(IV) and manganese(II), and the order with respect to glycerol concentration varies from first to zero order as the glycerol concentration increases. Increase in sulphuric acid concentration, added sulphate and bisulphate all decrease the rate. Added cerium(III) retards the rate of reaction, whereas glycolic aldehyde had no effect. The active species of oxidant and catalyst are Ce(SO₄)₂ and [Mn(H₂O)₄]²⁺. A mechanism is proposed, and the reaction constants and activation parameters have been determined.