The kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of keto acids viz., Pyruvic acid (PA) and Levulinic acid (LA) by NBromophthalimide (NBP) in the presence of mercuric acetate have been investigated in aqueous acetic acid medium at 35oC. The reaction follows first order kinetics each in [NBP] and [keto acid]. The activation parameters have been evaluated. Based on the observed kinetic results, a probable mechanism has been proposed.