Abstract
The kinetics and mechanism of epoxidation of maleic anhydride by hydrogen peroxide in the presence of sodium orthovanadate as catalyst have been studied. The reaction was found to be first order with respect to maleic anhydride and catalyst and zero order with respect to hydrogen peroxide. Based on substituent, solvent and salt effects the mechanism of epoxidation step is believed to be concerted with considerable polar (electrophilic) character. The energy of activation has been calculated to be 69.93 KJ mol-1.