Abstract: The kinetics of oxidation of 3-formylsalicylic acid (3-fsa) with potassium permanganate in alkaline medium (pH ≥ 12) has been studied. The oxidation has been confirmed to involve the formyl group, converting it to the corresponding carboxylate ion. The oxidation product has been isolated and characterized by I.R and Mass spectra. The reaction showed a first-order with respect to permanganate and a fractional first order with respect to the acid. The formation of short-lived hypomanganate(V) and manganate(VI) intermediates has been confirmed spectrophotometrically. The activation parameters have been determined and a mechanism for the reaction is suggested.

Keywords: Kinetics; oxidation; 3-formylsalicylic acid; hypomanganate(V); manganate(VI); activation parameters