Kinetics of the chromic acid oxidation of glyoxylic and pyruvic acids

The reactions of glyoxylic and pyruvic acids by chromium (VI) have been studied in the presence of perchloric acid. Each reaction is first order with respect to chromium (VI), α-keto acid and hydrogen ion concentrations. The addition of sodium perchlorate to the reaction mixture had no effect on the rates but sodium chloride and sodium dihydrogen phosphate have retarding influences. Manganous ions increase the rate of reaction. The activation parameters are evaluated and tentative mechanisms for the oxidation reactions are discussed.