Kinetics of oxidation of thiocyanate ion and benzyl alcohol by diperiodatonickelate(IV) in aqueous alkaline medium

Abstract

Kinetics of oxidation of thiocyanate ion and of benzyl alcohol by diperiodatonickelate(IV) have been studied in aqueous alkaline medium (<em>p</em>H between 8 and 10). Both the title reactions exhibit similar kinetics. The orders in benzyl alcohol and thiocyanate ion have been found to be unity each. The rate of the oxidation increases with increase in [OH^-]; however, added [periodate] retards the rate. Effect of salts and change in dielectric constant of the medium affect the rate of oxidation of thiocyanate but no such effect has been observed in benzyl alcohol oxidation. Monoperiodatonickel-ate(IV) has been found as the reactive species of oxidant from salt effect studies. Suitable mechanisms are proposed.