Kinetics and mechanism of sulphurous acid oxidation by hexachloroiridate(IV) in hydrochloric acid

Summary The reaction between sulphurous acid and hexachloroiridate(IV) appears to take place through the formation of an intermediate complex followed by decomposition to give oxidation products. The rate is retarded as the hydrogen ion concentration increases. Thermodynamic parameters associated with the equilibrium step as well as with the slowest step have been calculated. The probable mechanism of the reaction is discussed.