The chemistry of vitamin B12. Part XV. Catalysis of alkyl halide reduction by vitamin B12a: studies using controlled potential reduction

Abstract

Controlled potential coulometric analysis has been used to investigate the reduction of alkyl halides in the presence of vitamin B_12a. At voltages greater than the half-wave potential of the alkyl halide the reduction is a two-electron process. Below this half-wave potential the reduction is a one-electron reaction. The importance of these observations lies in considerations of the reaction mechanisms of reductions catalysed by vitamin B₁₂ in both model and biological systems.