Kinetics of formic acid inhibited uncatalysed and Co2O3 catalysed autoxidation of sulfur(IV) in alkaline medium

The kinetics of environmentally imperative atmospheric autoxidation of sulfur(IV) by Co2O3 in the pH range 7.30- 9.40 has been studied. The aqueous phase autoxidation of sulfur(IV) is the major factor responsible for acidification of atmospheric aqueous system. The role of formic acid as an inhibitor of Co2O3 catalysed autoxidation of sulfur(IV) in alkaline medium has been identified, and based on the observed results rate law and a free radical mechanism has been proposed. d[S(lV)] dt (k1+ k2[Co2O3]) [S(lV)] 1 + B [formic acid]

Author(s): Sameena Begam, Faiyaz Hussain and D. S. N. Prasad

Abstract | PDF

Share This Article