Kinetics of oxidation of nitrite by hypochlorite ions in aqueous basic solution

Abstract

The kinetics of oxidation of nitrite to nitrate by hypochlorite ions in aqueous basic solution [Formula: see text] have been studied using a dynamic spectrophotometric technique. The rate law is[Formula: see text]At 298.0 K and ionic strength 0.40 M, d = (3.4 ± 0.2) × 10−8 mol l−1 s−1 and e = (2.8 ± 0.2) × 10−6 s−1. The associated activation energies are 56 ± 3 and 61 ± 3 kJ mol−1 respectively. A mechanism is proposed involving the reversible initial step:[Formula: see text]with the NO2Cl undergoing two parallel subsequent reactions, one a unimolecular decomposition and the other an attack by NO2− on NO2Cl.