Reactivity of phenol towards benzyltriethylammonium chlorochromate oxidation in the presence of 1, 10-phenanthroline as catalyst

K. Rajalakshmi, T. Ramachandra

Abstract

The catalytic activity of 1, 10-phenanthroline (phen) in Cr(VI) oxidation of phenol has been studied in 60% acetic acid medium. The Cr(VI) phen complex is believed to be the probable electrophile in the catalyzed oxidation. The catalytic activity is quite likely to shift the redox potential of the oxidant. The reaction shows first order with respect to substrate,catalyst ,oxidant and H+. Increase in acidity as well as increase in the dielectric constant increases the rate of the reaction. The added acrylonitrile has no effect on the reaction rate indirectly indicating the absence of free radical mechanism.