Abstract
Kinetics of oxidation of indole by peroxomonosulphate (PMS) in aqueous acetonitrile medium has been investigated. The reaction follows a total second order, first order each with respect to [Indole] and [PMS]. The rate of the reaction was not affected by added [H+]. Variation of ionic strength (mu) had no influence on the rate. Increase of percentage of acetonitrile decreased the rate. Absence of any polymerization indicated a nonradical pathway. Activation and thermodynamic parameters have been computed. A suitable kinetic scheme based on these observations is proposed. The reactivity of PMS towards Indole was found to be higher than that with peroxodisulphate.