Abstract: The present paper deals with the kinetic and mechanistic investigation of pd(II) catalyzed oxidation of paracetamol by potassium bromate (KBrO3) in presence of perchloric acid medium at 303 K. The experimental result shows a first order kinetics with respect to [Palladium] and [bromate]. The reaction showed negative effect for [H+]. Paracetamol positively influenced the rate of reaction. Negligible effect of [HgOAc)2] and ionic strength of the medium was observed. Variation of [Cl-] does not show any significant change on the rate of reaction. The values of rate constants observed at different temperatures (30 to 450C) were utilized to calculate the activation parameters. Quinoneoxime and acetic acid have been identified as main oxidation products of the reactions. Feasible mechanism has been proposed conforming with the kinetics, stochiometry and product of the reaction. The rate law has been derived from obtained kinetic data.

Keywords: Kinetics, Pd(II) chloride, oxidation, Paracetamol, Potassium bromate, Acidic medium.