Micellar effect on the kinetics and mechanism of chromium(VI) oxidation of organic substrates

The present review discusses different possible routes of reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by several types of organic reducing agents with special emphasis to those occurring in aqueous micellar systems. The micellar media can influence the mechanistic paths of reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). Such studies in micro-heterogeneous systems are important from the standpoint of understanding the mechanism of redox activity and toxicity of Cr(VI). The possible use of suitable surfactants in the two-phase oxidation of organic substances by chromic acid is discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.