Kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of poly(vinyl alcohol) macromolecule by chromic acid in aqueous perchloric acid

The kinetics of chromic acid oxidation of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), a synthetic polymer, in perchlorate media at a constant ionic strength of 1.0 mol dm−3 has been studied spectrophotometrically. A first-order reaction in chromic acid and a fractional order with respect to PVA concentration were observed. The reaction was found to be acid catalyzed. Kinetic evidence for the formation of an intermediate complex between the chromic acid and PVA is presented. A mechanism consistent with the kinetic results is suggested.