Oxidation of Propane-1,3-diol (Non-Vicinal) by Potassium Permanganate in Aqueous Medium, A Kinetic Study

The oxidation of propane-1,3-diol by potassium permanganate in aqueous solution was investigated at λmax 525 nm. The rate of the reaction was found to increase with increase in [KMnO4] and [Propane-1,3-diol]. The reaction showed first order dependence each in [KMnO4] and [Propane-1,3-diol] and independent on the ionic strength of the solution. The activation parameters were evaluated from Arrhenius and Erying’s equations and the values of〖ΔH〗 ^#(kJ mol-1), 〖ΔS〗^#(kJK-1 mol- 1) and〖ΔG〗^#(kJmol-1) were 24.98, -0.22 and 90.50 respectively. Negative entropy of activation revealed an association mechanism and an ordered transition state for the reaction. Stoichiometric study showed 1:1 consumption of KMnO4 and propane-1,3-diol. Spectroscopic studies and FTIR analysis revealed the product of the reaction to be 3-hydroxyl-propanal. A suitable reaction mechanism was proposed for the reaction investigated.