On the organic/inorganic mechanism of the oxidation of uric acid by means of potassium permanganate in alkaline medium
Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City (CDMX), Mexico
Research Article
International Journal of Scholarly Research in Chemistry and Pharmacy, 2026, 06(02), 001-004.
Article DOI: 10.56781/ijsrcp.2026.6.2.0014
Publication history:
Received on 30 March 2026; revised on 09 May 2026; accepted on 11 May 2026
Abstract:
The chemical deportment of potassium permanganate at mechanistic level was cleared. Due to the marked difference existing in the electronegativities of manganese and oxygen, the permanganate anion act as having polarised one Mn=O double bond. This explains the electron receptivity of the manganese atom, as well as, the capture of a potassium cation by the negative oxygen, giving a molecule of potassium manganate and an oxidation step in the electron donor organic molecule, or oxidation of an inorganic ion. This is in accordance with the 3d1 electronic configuration of potassium manganate. Uric acid in alkaline medium (KOH) forms the potassium imidate, derived from the imido group present in this heterocycle. After reaction with KMnO4 as above indicated, a free radical at nitrogen remains and couples with an electron of the C=C double bond. A cyclic ureido and an aziridinone are formed. Hydrolysis of the tensioned lactam gives acetylene di-urea with a carboxylate between the two rings. The radical at C-4 is removed by permanganate anion at any stage of the process. The carbonium ion thus formed is neutralised by water giving a double carbinolamide who is hydrolysed in acidic medium to 5-ureido-hydantoin.
Keywords:
Cation capture; Electronegativity; Electron receptivity; Manganate anion; Polarization; Potassium permanganate
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