Catalytic decomposition of aliphatic peroxy acids

The catalytic decomposition of peroxy acids is studied in various solvents in the presence of manganese, cobalt, chromium, nickel, and copper acetates and cerium benzoate. The catalytic activity of the salts in peroxy acid decomposition decreases in the order Mn²⁺ > Co²⁺ > Ce³⁺ > Cr³⁺ > Ni²⁺ > Cu²⁺. The apparent activation energies of the catalytic decomposition of peroxydecanoic acid range between 45.9 and 88.0 kJ/mol. The reaction medium has an effect both on the apparent rate constant and on the activation energy of the reaction. The reaction mechanism includes the fast formation of a catalyst-peroxy acid intermediate complex, which decomposes to release a catalyst molecule and forms the reaction products. The oxidation state of the metal ion of the catalyst can change. The introduction of compounds capable of forming complexes with metal ions of the catalyst substantially slows down the catalytic decomposition.