Abstract
The kinetics of oxidation of L-proline by permanganate in alkaline medium was studied spectrophotometrically. The reaction is first order with respect to[MnO4-] and is an apparent less than unit order, each in [L-proline] and [alkali] under the experimental conditions. The reaction rate increases with increase in ionic strength and decrease in solvent polarity of the medium. Addition of reaction products has no effect on the reaction rate. A mechanism involving the formation of a complex between the oxidant and substrate has been proposed. The reaction constants involved in the mechanism were evaluated. There is a good agreement between the observed and calculated rate constants under varying experimental conditions. The activation parameters with respect to the slow step of the proposed reaction scheme were evaluated and discussed.
