Kinetics of oxidation of amino acids by chloramine T. A reinvestigation

Abstract

Some discrepancies in the earlier work on the oxidation of amino acids by chloramine T(CAT) in acid media warranted a reinvestigation. The initial rate of oxidation is of second order in [CAT] and first order in [substrate]. Toluene-p-sulphonamide and H⁺ ion have an inhibitory effect whereas the Cl^– ion shows a catalytic effect. A suitable mechanism is proposed based on the experimental observations wherein there is an interaction with the carboxylate group of the amino acid which leads to the formation of nitrile, the final product.