Kinetics and Mechanism of Organic Oxidation with Hydrogen Peroxide in Alkaline

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide has emerged as one of the most important oxidizing agents in modern organic chemistry due to its high efficiency, low cost, and environmentally benign nature. The utility of hydrogen peroxide in oxidation reactions is governed not only by its intrinsic oxidizing ability but also by the kinetics and mechanisms through which oxygen transfer occurs. In alkaline media, the reactivity of hydrogen peroxide is significantly altered due to partial ionization and increased susceptibility to decomposition. This review provides a comprehensive and independently written discussion of the kinetics and mechanisms of organic oxidation reactions mediated by hydrogen peroxide under alkaline conditions. Both uncatalyzed and catalytic oxidation systems are examined, with emphasis on reaction pathways, rate laws, and the influence of reaction variables. The importance of mechanistic understanding in achieving selective, efficient, and sustainable oxidation processes is highlighted.