The influence of solvation on mesitylene oxidation by oxygen in polar media

Abstract

The oxidation of mesitylene by oxygen in acetic anhydride in the presence of cobalt(II) acetate and potassium bromide is reported and some characteristic kinetic quantities are presented. The higher polarity of acetic anhydride compared with acetic acid is one of the reasons for the higher oxidation rate in this medium. Another reason may be the formation of a π-complex between mesitylene and its peroxide radical. The oxidation rate in acetic acid is lower, due to blocking of the peroxide radicals by hydrogen bonds.