Effect of bromide ion on the kinetics of bromination of o-hydroxy benzoic acid by bromine in aqueous solution

The kinetics of the bromination of o-hydroxy benzoic acid has been studied by rotating platinum electrode (RPE) technique. The bromide ion has been found to remarkably enhance the specific reaction rate. This is associated with a fall in energy of activation. The other added ions like nitrate, acetate and bicarbonate have shown that the base catalysis or salt effect is improbable. The mechanism suggested to explain the catalytic effect of bromide ions.