Kinetic, Mechanistic and Spectral Investigation of Oxidative Degradation and Deamination of Atenolol by Cerium(IV) in Aqueous Perchloric acid Medium

Cerium(IV) has been used as an oxidising agent and an analytical reagent, especially in acid media [1]. Kinetic studies on the oxidation of different substrates using Ce(IV) as an oxidant in perchloric acid medium have been reported [2]. In sulphuric acid medium, Ce(IV) forms [3] several sulphate complexes, but their role has not received much attention so far. Thus the reaction rate increases with increase in acid concentration and this effect has not been understood. 4-(2-Hydroxy-3-isopropylaminopropoxy)phenylacetamide, commercially known as atenolol (ATN), a β-adrenoreceptor blocking agent, is used as an antihypertensive drug [4]. It is also used for antiangina treatment to relieve symptoms and improve tolerance, as an anti-arrhythmic to help regulate heartbeat, and in management of alcohol withdrawal, Inorganic Reaction Mechanisims, Vol. 6, pp. 59-70 © 2006 Old City Publishing, Inc. Reprints available directly from the publisher Published by license under the OCP Science imprint, Photocopying permitted by license only a member of the Old City Publishing Group.