1,10-Phenanthroline catalysed HCrO4- oxidation of some substituted trans-cinnamic acids

Catalytic activity of 1,10-phenanthroline(Phen) in the HCrO^sub 4^^sup -^ oxidation of substituted trans-cinnamic acids to the corresponding benzaldehydes, has been investigated in acidic medium. The Cr^sup VI^-Phen complex is believed to be the probable electrophile in the catalysed oxidation. The catalytic activity is quite likely to be due to the shift in redox potential of the oxidant. Pyridine has no effect in this conversion. The catalytic efficiencies of pyridine bases are compared. Nonadherence to LFER studies, resulting in a continuously changing Hammett curve, gives an insight into the nature of the transition state.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]