A kinetic study on the oxidation of indole by peroxomonosulphate in acetonitrile solvent

Abstract

Kinetics of oxidation of indole by peroxomonosulphate (PMS) in aqueous acetonitrile medium has been investigated. The reaction follows a total second order, first order each with respect to [Indole] and [PMS]. The rate of the reaction was not affected by added [H+]. Variation of ionic strength (ì) had no influence on the rate. Increase of percentage of acetonitrile decreased the rate. Absen ce of any polymerization indicated a nonradical pathway. Activation and thermodynamic parameters have bee n computed. A suitable kinetic scheme based on these observations is proposed. The reactivity of PMS towards Indole was found to be higher than that with peroxodisulphate.