Kinetics of Transition Metal Ion Catalyzed Oxidation of some Industrially Important Alcohols using Ammonium Meta Vanadate in Acidic Medium

Oxidation of alcohols has industrial importance as it yields several useful products.Toxic and costly metal ions like Os(VIII), Cr(VI), and Ru in different oxidation states are widely used for the oxidation of a variety of organic compounds. We are reporting herein the oxidation of the industrially usefulprimary alcohols, 2-Chloroethanol, 2-Butoxyethanol and 2-Phenoxyethanol using Ammonium metavanadate in acidic medium. Relatively less toxic and cheaper transition metal ions of the first series are effectively used as homogeneous catalysts for the oxidation of the alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes. 2- Chloroethanol is used as a precursor for ethylene oxide and is useful in the manufacture of crop protection chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.2-Butoxyethanol finds use in the making of paints, varnishes and industrial and household cleaners.