Comparative And Kinetic Investigation Of Oxidation Of 3- Methylindole By Potassium Bromate In Two Different Solvents

Abstract

This study investigates the kinetics of 3-Methylindole oxidation by potassium bromate (KBrO₃) in aqueous ethanol and acetone media. The oxidation follows second-order kinetics first order with respect to both 3-Methylindole and KBrO₃. The reaction rate remains unaffected by added H⁺, suggesting that the oxidation does not involve protonation-dependent pathways. Variation in ionic strength (μ) does not impact the reaction rate, indicating that charged intermediates may not play a significant role. Increasing the concentration of the solvent (ethanol or acetone) decreases the reaction rate, implying that the solvent polarity significantly influences the oxidation process. The absence of polymerization suggests a non-radical oxidation mechanism. IR and NMR spectral analysis confirm the oxidation product,the oxidation occurs faster in ethanol compared to acetone.