Kinetics and mechanism of the oxidation of amino acids by peroxomonosulphate. Part 1

Abstract

The kinetics of oxidation of α-amino acids by peroxomonosulphate (PMS) were studied. The observed rate is first order in [oxidant] and [amino acid] and inverse first order in hydrogen ion concentration. Perusal of the kinetic results show that aldehyde, the oxidation product, enhances the rate of oxidation of all amino acids, except valine. This exceptional behaviour can be attributed to steric factors due to the presence of a methyl group in the β-position. Mechanisms of oxidations of amino acids are discussed in terms of the kinetic results.