Kinetics of Oxidation of DL-Tartaric Acid by Potassium Permanganate in Aqueuos and Aqueous Micellar Media

The kinetics of oxidation of dl-tartaric acid (TA) by potassium permanganate in acetic acid medium in the presence and absence of TX-100 (non-ionic surfactant) was investigated. At early stages, the reaction was found to be first order with respect to both permanganate and TA. The presence of TX-100 was found to catalyse the reaction and this effect was interpreted successfully in terms of pseudo-phase model. Activation parameters of the reaction in the presence/absence of TX-100 were obtained. A suitable mechanism, which agreed with the experimental findings was suggested.