Oxidation of Hydrazine by Alkaline Ferricyanide in Water-methanol Mixtures

Abstract

Kinetics of the oxidation of hydrazine by ferricyanide was investigated in water-methanol mixtures using several buffer solutions. The reaction showed first order dependence in both hydrazine and ferricyanide. The order with respect to hydroxide ion concentration was zero. Increase in concentration of methanol had a retarding influence on the rate while the addition of neutral salts showed a specific ion effect. The energy and entropy of activation were calculated as 12.3 kcals. mole -1 and -20.8 cals. deg -1 mole -1 respectively. A suitable mechanism has been proposed which suggests the primary rate determining reaction between N 2 H 4 and Fe (CN) 6 3⊖ . Nitrogen was found to be the product of the reaction.