Efficient combination of promoter and catalyst for chromic acid oxidation of propan-2-ol to acetone in aqueous acid media at room temperature

Oxidation of propan-2-ol to acetone was carried out in aqueous media at room temperature. The effect of promoter (PA, bpy, phen), micellar catalyst (SDS, CPC, TX-100) and their combination has been studied. The reactions were performed under the condition [Propan-2-ol](T) >> [Cr(VI)](T) at 30 degrees C. Then k(obs) and half life of all the reaction were determined to identify which promoter and which combination are the most effective for this oxidation. Among the promoters phen accelerates the reaction most in aqueous media. In absence of promoters anionic surfactant SDS increases the rate more effectively than neutral surfactant TX-100. CPC retards the rate in comparison to aqueous media. The rate of the oxidation is highest in presence of the combination of bpy and SDS. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.