The kinetics of oxidation of atrolatic acid with a recently
developed new mild Cr(VI) reagent quinolinium fluorochromate
(QFC) has been investigated in perchloric acid medium. The reaction
exhibits first-order dependence each with respect to [oxidant]
and [reductant]. The acidity dependence is fractional order
throughout the entire range of acidities studied. Ionic strength and
dielectric changes have no significant effect on the reactivity.
Studies on acrylonitrile indicate the absence of free radicals in the
course of the reaction. Involvement of Cr(II) in the reaction
sequence is ruled out. An intermediate formed between protonated
oxidant and substrate decomposes in a slow rate-limiting step giving
the products.