Kinetics of oxidation of polyoxyethylene chain of polyoxyethylene-t-octyl phenol (Triton X-100) by diperiodatoargenate (III)

The oxidative degradation of polyoxyethylene chain of TritonX-100 by diperiodatoargentate(III) (DPA) is reported for the first time. The kinetics of the reaction has been studied by conventional spectrophotometric method at 362 nm. Under pseudo-first order conditions, the rection rate is first- and fractional-order, respectively, in diperiodatoargentate(III) and Triton X-100. The formation of a complex between Triton X-100 and diperiodatoargentate(III) was characterized kinetically and the formation constant has been determined (Kc = 307 mol−1 dm3). On addition of periodate, there is a decrease in the rate constants. The aquated silver(III) is found to be more reactive in comparison to hydroxylated silver(III) species. The reaction product is also examined. Monomeric and aggregated TritonX-100 molecules are oxidized by diperiodatoargentate(III). Reducing nature of the TritonX-100 is found to be due to the presence of primary alcoholic (OH) group in the skeleton. On the basis of the observed data, a probable mechanism is proposed for the redox reaction of diperiodatoargentate(III) and TritonX-100.