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

Controlled potential coulometric analysis has been used to investigate the reduction of alkyl halides in the presence of vitamin B12a. 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.