The kinetics of the chromic acid oxidation of diphenylmethane

The kinetics of the chromic acid oxidation of diphenylmethane in aqueous acetic acid solution has been studied. The rate law is v = kφCH₂φ]CrO₃]h₀ a kinetic isotope effect, k_H/k_D = 6·4 at 30°, was noted, and electron releasing groups were found to moderately facilitate the reaction (⁺ = ?1·17). These, and related data, suggest that the initial reaction is the abstraction of a hydrogen atom forming a benzhydryl radical. The latter may then be further oxidized to give the product, benzphenone. It is noted that the chromic acid oxidations which must involve hydrogen abstraction all show a kinetic dependence on the total chromium (VI) concentration, whereas those which are believed to proceed via an ester mechanism have a kinetic dependence on only the acid chromate ion. This difference is suggested as a possible method of distinguishing between these two mechanisms. The effect of the water content of the solvent on the rate of the reaction is discussed, and a tentative, relative, H_? scale for some of these solutions is suggested. This may permit one to determine the number of molecules of water which are involved in a reaction.