Interpretation of limiting rate and of induction period in oxidation of benzaldehyde catalyzed by cobaltous acetate

Abstract

The cobaltous acetate-catalyzed autoxidation of benzaldehyde in acetic acid has been investigated and the nature and the mechanism of the oxidation at high cobaltous concentration (1·2–5 × 10^–3 M) has been studied in detail. The induction period appearing at the beginning of the limiting rate region is explained by the inhibition brought about by the cobaltous ions. The inhibiting effect of the transition metal ions studied has been shown to be due to their electronic structure. The limiting rate of oxidation at high cobalt concentrations could be explained on the basis of the steady-state concentration of perbenzoic acid produced by the catalyst.