Ruthenium(VI) catalyzed oxidation of sodium salts of lactic, tartaric and glycolic acid by alkaline hexacyanoferrate(III)

The kinetics of ruthenium(VI) catalyzed oxidation of sodium salts of lactic, tartaric and glycolic acid by hexacyanoferrate(III) in aqueous alkaline medium have been studied at constant ionic strength. The reaction shows first order dependence on ruthenium(VI) and zero order on hexacyanoferrate(III). The rate of reaction increases with increasing substrate concentration and shows Michaelis-Menten type behavior. The rate of reaction decreases with increase in hydroxide ion concentration. Oxidation proceeds via formation of a complex between substrate and ruthenium(VI). A probable mechanism is suggested.

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