Peroxy acid oxidations: A kinetic and mechanistic study of oxidative decarboxylation of alpha-keto acids by peroxomonophosphoric acid

The kinetics of oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid and benzoylformic acid by peroxomonophosphoric acid (PMPA) in aqueous medium have been inves tigated. The reaction follows second order-first order each in PMPA and sub strate concentration at constant pH. The reactivity of different peroxo spe cies in the oxidation has been determined. Activation energy and thermodyna mic parameters have been computed. A plausible mechanism consistent with th e observed results is proposed.