Kinetics and catalysis of oxidation of phenol by ruthenium(IV)–oxo complex

Kinetics of oxidation of phenol by [RuIV(tpy)(pic)(O)]+ (tpy = 2,2′,6′,2″-terpyridine; pic− = picolinate) (1) has been studied in aqueous solution using a rapid scan stopped-flow spectrophotometer. Under pseudo-first order conditions of excess phenol concentrations, the rate of reaction was found to be first order in respect to both 1 and phenol concentrations. Quinones and [RuII(tpy)(pic)(H2O)]+ (2) were found to be the ultimate products of the reaction. Kinetic results were analyzed by using global kinetic analysis techniques and a working mechanism in agreement with the rate and activation parameters is presented. The experimental results are discussed in reference to data reported for the phenol oxidation by relevant RuIV O systems. Catalytic ability of 2 in effecting phenol oxidation in the presence of t-BuOOH has been explored.