Kinetics of oxidation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes by quinolinium dichromate

A series of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes (crotonaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, acrylaldehyde, and methacrylaldehyde) were oxidized by quinolinium dichromate in sulfuric acid to the corresponding acids in 50% (v/v) acetic acid – water medium. The kinetic data have been discussed with reference to the aldehyde hydration equilibria. The kinetic results support a mechanistic pathway proceeding via a rate-determining oxidative decomposition of the chromate ester of the aldehyde hydrate.