Abstract
In aqueous media 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) promoted chromic acid oxidation of propan-2-ol produces propan-2-one (acetone). Acetone is separated from the mixture by fractional distillation. The effect of an anionic surfactant (SDS) and a neutral surfactant (TX-100) on the unpromoted and phen-promoted path have been studied. The catalytic effects of micelles have been explained by considering the preferential partitioning of reactants between the micellar and aqueous phases. The reaction becomes much faster when phen and TX-100 are combined together.
