Oxidation of 2,3‐butanediol by alkaline hexacyanoferrate(III) using Ru(III) or Ru(VI) as catalyst

The reactions of 2,3‐butanediol by hexacyanoferrate(III) in alkaline medium using ruthenium compounds as catalysts have been studied spectrophotometrically. The effect on the reaction rate of concentration of substrate, oxidant, catalyst and basicity of the medium leads to similar experimental rate equations for both catalysts, Ru(III) and Ru(VI). The reaction mechanism involves the formation of a catalyst–substrate complex that yields a carbocation for Ru(VI) or a radical for Ru(III) oxidation. Hexacyanoferrate(III)'s role is the catalyst regeneration. The rate constants of complex decomposition and catalyst regeneration have been determined.