Abstract
Oxidation of lactic acid proceeds in two steps; the first step leads to the formation of chromium(III) and to an unusually stable chromium(V) intermediate complex whereas the second step pertains to reduction of the latter to chromium(III) as the final product. Kinetics of formation of the stable chromium(V) lactic acid complex has been studied by spectrophotometry. The reaction has been found to be second order in [lactic acid]. Chromium(V) complex reacts with lactic acid in a slower manner than does chromium(VI). Under specific acid concentrations the two steps can be separated and investigated individually.