Kinetics and Mechanism of Hypochlorite Oxidation of Polyvinyl Alcohol

The kinetics of oxidation of polyvinyl alcohol, FH-17, with sodium hypochlorite has been studied. The effects of ~ buffer concentration, pH, initial oxidant concentration and temperature of reaction on the rate of reaction have been investigated. The experimental data indicate that the reaction is first order with respect to hypochlorite concentration. Additional data on change in the rate of reaction with pH lend support o the results of earlier studies of this type on carbohydrates and confirm the participation of hydroxyl group in the reaction. A mechanism based on the observed data has been proposed explaining the rate retarding effect of increasing alkalinity or acidity of the medium.