For the reaction of H2O2 + any-Carboxylic acid to create any-peroxycarboxylic acid

 

What type of reaction is this? Sn1? Sn2? E1? E2? Acid/Base? What is the mechanism?

 

I know the balanced equation. I know that water is a byproduct of this reaction. But what really happens in terms of proton/electron transfer

How familiar are you with other reactions involving carbonyls? For instance, do you know the mechanism for the formation of esters from carboxylic acids or their derivatives?

I only know it to the extent of this video

I'm assuming the carboxylic acid is the acid catalyst in the peroxy formation and H2O2 serves the exact same role as R-OH?

Edited October 30, 201510 yr by nasonix

But thanks. That helped clear up how understanding a similar mechanism can work in place of the unknown

No, an acid catalyst is a source of H+ that is not consumed in the reaction. The carboxylic acid in this case is a reactant and forms part of your product. You are correct about the function of H2O2, however.