Oxidative behaviours and relative reactivities of some alkanols and aryl alcohols towards bis(dihydrogentellurato)-cuprate(III) and -argentate(III) in alkaline medium

Abstract

The oxidative behaviours and relative reactivities of some alkanols and aryl alcohols towards bis(dihydrogentellurato)metallate(III) ion (where M = Cu^III and Ag^III) in alkaline medium have been investigated. The reactions are first-order in each [R¹R²CHOH] and [M^III(H₂TeO₆)₂]^5– but the rate is independent of [OH^–]. The activation parameters of the reactions have been computed. The unsubstituted benzyl alcohol reacts at a faster rate than benzhydrol. The influence of o, m and p substituents on the rate for benzyl alcohol have been examined. The mechanism of the reactions is discussed.