The kinetics of oxidation of glycol by ditellurato-cuprate (III) has been studied by spectrophotometry in alkaline medium. The reaction rate showed first order dependance in oxidant and so was in glycol. It was found that the pseudo first-order ([Glycol]0>>[Cu(III)]0) rate constant Kobs increased with the increases in [OH]^- and decreases with the increases in [TeO4^2^-]. There is a negative salt effect. A mechanism involving a preequilibrium of an adduct formation between the complex and glycol was proposed. The equation derived from the mechanism explained all the experimental results and the preequilibrium constants. Rate constants of the rate-determining step along with the activation parameters were evaluated.

Key words: SPECTROPHOTOMETRY, OXIDATION, REACTION MECHANISM, REACTION KINETICS, ETHANEDIOL, REACTION RATE CONSTANT