Mechanistic Aspects of Osmium(VIII) Catalyzed Oxidation of L-Tryptophan by Diperiodatocuprate(III) in Aqueous Alkaline Medium: A Kinetic Model

Abstract

In presence of osmium(VIII), the reaction between L-tryptophan and diperiodatocuprate(III) DPC in alkaline medium exhibits 1:4 stochiometry (L-tryptophan:DPC). The reaction shows first-order dependence on [DPC] and [osmium(VIII)], less than unit order in both [L-tryptophan] and [alkali], and negative fractional order in [periodate]. The active species of catalyst and oxidant have been identified. The main products were identified by spectral studies and spot test. The probable mechanism was proposed and discussed.