Determination and Evaluation of the Second-Order Rate Constants for the Oxidation of Maleic and Fumaric Acid Derivatives with Alkaline Potassium Permanganate

Abstract

The second-order rate constants for the oxidation of maleic ( Z-butenedioc) and fumaric ( E-butenedioc) acid derivatives by potassium permanganate at pH 13 were determined. These constants varied by a factor of 104. The results suggested that the rates of attack of the permanganate ion on the double bonds were largely governed by steric factors with electrostatic and electronic effects playing only a minor role.