Kinetics and mechanism of the ruthernium(III) catalyzed oxidation of propane-1,3-diol by alkaline hexacyanoferrate(III)

The kinetics of oxidation of propane-1,3-diol by alkaline hexacyanoferrate (III) catalyzed by ruthenium trichloride has been studied spectrophotometrically. A reaction mechanism involving the formation of an intermediate complex between the substrate and the catalyst is proposed. In the rate-determining step this complex is attacked by hexacyanoferate(III) forming a free radical which is further oxidized.