An analytical and kinetic investigation of the vanadium(V)-catalysed bromate oxidation of Bordeaux. Part I. Kinetics of the uncatalysed bromate oxidation of Bordeaux

Abstract

A kinetic study of the oxidation of Bordeaux by potassium bromate is reported and a rate equation and reaction sequence are proposed. The reaction was found to be autocatalytic and the rate of the reaction at any time to depend on the concentration of Bordeaux reacted at that time. Equations are derived that describe the reaction of Bordeaux under the conditions used and the time required for the oxidation of Bordeaux to reach completion. The reaction is susceptible to trace impurities of bromide present in the samples of potassium bromate used, and it was found necessary to allow for these in the derivation of the rate equation. Three rate-controlling reactions are described and rate constants and activation energies for all three reactions are given.