The kinetics of chromic acid oxidation of chondroitin-4-sulfate polysaccharide as sulfated carbohydrates
at a constant ionic strength of 4.0 mol dm−3 has been investigated, spectrophotometrically. The reaction
kinetics showed a first-order dependence in chromic acid and fractional-first-order kinetics with respect
to the chondroitin-4-sulfate concentration. The influence of [H+] on the reaction rates showed that the
oxidation process is acid-catalyzed. Added Mn2+ ions indicated the formation of Cr(IV) as intermediate
species. A kinetic evidence for formation of 1:1 intermediate complex was revealed. The kinetic parameters
have been evaluated and a tentative reaction mechanism in good consistent with the kinetic results
obtained is discussed.