Autocatalysis in oxidation reactions of verdazyl radicals with hydroperoxides

The reaction of 2,4,6-triphenyl- and 2,3,4,6-tetraphenylverdazyl with tert-butyl hydroperoxide in acetonitrile solution and acetonitrile-water mixture was studied. This reaction was shown to be autocatalytic owing to verdazylium hydroxide formation in the course of the reaction. The main kinetic parameters were determined for the catalytic and non-catalytic reactions.