The Oxidation of Quinic Acid

Abstract

1. It is shown by means of filter-paper chromatograms prepared at intervals during the oxidation of quinic acid by hydrogen peroxide that at least six acids appear in the reaction liquid.

2. One of these acids is shown to be citric acid, and the oxidation of citric acid is shown to account for a further two of the acids resulting from the oxidation of quinic acid.

3. After prolonged oxidation (by H ₂ O ₂ ) of both quinic and citric acids one acid predominates. This acid is proved by isolation and characterization to be malonic acid.

4. Evidence is produced which suggests that acetonedicarboxylic acid is an intermediate in the oxidation of citric acid (and, therefore, of quinic acid) to malonic acid