Combined effect of promoter and surfactant on the chromium(VI) oxidation of D-ribose in aqueous media at room temperature

Effect of polypyridine derivatives on chromium(VI) oxidation of D-ribose in aqueous media was studied spectrophotometrically. The oxidized product D-erythrose was detected by paper chromatography. The promoters 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2΄-bipyridine, 2-picolinic acid, and 2,3-dipicolinic acid accelerated the oxidation, whereas isomeric 4,7-phenanthroline, 4,4΄-bipyridine, 4-picolinic acid, and 2,6-dipicolinic acid did not influence the oxidation. Formation of Cr(VI)-promoter complex was identified through fluorescence spectroscopy. Rate constants depended on promoter concentration. SDS and TX-100 enhanced the D-ribose oxidation, while CPC retarded the reaction. Location of D-ribose inside micelles was observed through 1H NMR. DLS study showed that the relative size of SDS and TX-100 micelles expanded in presence of chromium(VI).