Reaction of catalase with ethylhydrogen peroxide

Abstract

C₂H₅OOH reacts with catalse in a basically irreversible reaction in the course of which the species called compound (I) is formed and decomposed. The formation of compound (I) is preceded by the formation of a precursor complex which is able to react with a further molecule of C₂H₅OOH to yield an inactive biperoxy complex. The biperoxy complex causes a diminution of the extent of formation of compound (I) at high [C₂H₅OOH]. As a consequence, compound (I) can never be formed quantitatively. Some of its physical constants can, nevertheless, be evaluated. Compound (I) with C₂H₅OOH appears to retain C₂H₅OH in its structure.