Abstract: Kinetics of   Pd(II)  catalyzed  oxidation  of  D-Galctose and Lactose by  acidic  solution  of  chloramine-T  in  the presence  of  mercuric  acetate,  as  a  scavenger  have  been  made in  the  temperature  range  of  30°-45°C.The oxidation products are galactonic acid and lactobionic acid respectively . The reaction is of first order in case of chloramine-T and  Pd(II) both and order of reaction is zero with respect to galactose and lactose.The reactin shows less than unit order in case of [Cl^-1], while  rate of reactions shows zero effect in case of [H⁺].
Negligibleeffect of mercuric acetate and ionic strength of the medium was observed. A transient complex, formed between PdCl₂ and chloramine-T. [PdCl₂] being the reactive species of Palladium(II) chloride, disproportionates in a slow  and rate determining step. A suitable mechanism in agreement with observed kinetics has been proposed. Various activation parameters with respect to slow step of the mechanism are computed and discussed . A suitable mechanism in agreement with observed kinetics has been proposed.