A Review of Ferrates (VI) Oxidation of Organic Compounds

Abstract

This review presents the oxidation of organic compounds, X (organosulfur compounds, amines, phenols, alcohols, hydrocarbons, ascorbate, and pharmaceuticals) by ferrate (VI). The rate of reactions of these compounds with ferrate (VI) usually decrease with increase in pH in alkaline media. The reactions of ferrate (VI) with compounds may be characterized most commonly by (i) a 1 e-transfer step from Fe (VI) to Fe (V), followed by a 2 e-transfer to Fe (III) as the reduced product (FeVIFeVFeIII), and (ii) 2 e-transfer steps (FeVIFeIVFeII). Oxygen-atom transfer to the compounds may occur through involvement of either ferrate (VI) in the oxidations carried out by ferrate (VI). Oxidation of biological species by ferrate (VI) is also briefly presented.