Kinetics and mechanism of the oxidation of oxalic and formic acids by hexamethylenetetramine-bromine

Kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of formic and oxalic acids by hcxamcthyicnetctraniinc-brominc (HABR) have been studied in acetic acid-water (1 : 1). The main product of oxidation is carbon dioxide. The reaction is first order with respect to HABR. Michaclis-Menten type of kinetics have been observed with respect to the reductants. The oxidation of alpha-deuterioformic acid (DFA) exhibits a substantial primary kinetic isotope effect {k\\fkn == 6.11 at 303 K). Suitable mechanisms have been proposed.