Kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of cycloheptanol in acid solution of N-bromosuccinimide

The kinetics and mechanism of iridium(III) chloride catalysed oxidation of cycloheptanol by acidic solution of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) have been extensively studied at constant temp. (35 degrees C). Kinetic findings indicate first order reaction kinetics in oxidant, substrate, Ir(III) and reductant in each case. Negative effect of chloride ion has been observed on reaction rate while ionic strength of the medium and successive addition of succinimide on reaction rate do not bring any significant change in the reaction velocity. The oxidation reaction path involving NBS, i.e., Delta E-a, and Delta S*, Delta F* have also been evaluated and found to be 16.72 kcal/mole, -5.83 e.u. and 17.88 Kcal/mole respectively and a suitable mechanism consistent with the observed kinetic finding has been suggested.