Kinetics of oxidation of butane 2,3-diol by osmium(VIII)

The oxidation of butane 2,3-, propane 1,2-, ethane diol and 2-methoxy ethanol in aqueous alkaline medium by Os(VIII) has been studied. The reaction is base catalyzed and shows first-order kinetics in Os(VIII), whereas the order is less than 1 in butane 2,3-diol [BD]. The rate of oxidation is BD > propane 1,2 > ethane diol ≈ 2-methoxy ethanol. The change in ionic strength has no effect on the rate of reaction. Activation parameters ΔE, PZ, and ΔS* have been evaluated.