Evidence for the synchronous cleavage of C?C and C?H bonds bis(2,2?-bipyridyl)copper(II) permanganate oxidation of cobalt(III) bound and unbound ?-hydroxy acids

Abstract

The kinetics of bis(2,2¢-bipyridyl)copper(II) permanganate oxidation of Co III bound and unbound a-hydroxy acids such as mandelic, lactic and glycolic acids have been studied in aqueous MeCO 2 H. The reaction exhibits second order kinetics: first order in each reactant. The formation of Co II , PhCHO and CO 2 to the extent of 24% [Co III ] initial indicate CAC cleavage occurring to the extent of 24% and ca. 76% yield of the phenylglyoxylato-pentaamminecobalt(III) complex indicate CAH cleavage occurring to the extent of 76%.