The kinetics of oxidation of kappa-carrageenan (KCAR) as a sulfated polysaccharide by cerium(IV) in
aqueous perchlorate solutions at a constant ionic strength of 2.0 moldm−3 have been investigated,
spectrophotometically. The results showed a first-order dependence in [CeIV] and fractional-first-order
kinetics in carrageenan concentration. A kinetic evidence for the formation of 1:1 complex has been
revealed. The hydrogen ion dependence of the reaction rate indicated that the oxidation process is acid
catalyzed. The oxidation product was identified by the spectral data and elemental analysis. The activation
and thermodynamic parameters have been evaluated and a relevant reaction mechanism is suggested
and discussed.