| Abstract: | The oxidation of α-hydroxy acids and α-hydroxy ketones by Br(V) follows the rate-law  However, the former reaction exhibits a second-order dependence on hydrogen ion concentration while the latter reaction has a third-order dependence. A mechanism involving a slow formation of a bromate ester of the α-hydroxy acid followed by a fast decomposition is proposed. A rate-determining formation of a bromate ester from the conjugate acid of benzoin, followed by a rapid decomposition of the bromate ester, explains the kinetic data for the oxidation of benzoin. |
