The kinetics of oxidation of selenosemicarbazide by oxygen in the presence of cupric ions

In acidic medium selenosemicarbazide undergoes oxidation by oxygen, dissolved in water, in the presence of copper(II) as a catalyst. The oxidation product exhibits an activating effect. The kinetics of the reaction have been investigated and the kinetic equations deduced both for small and high concentrations of the oxidation product. The constants involved in the kinetic equations deduced have been calculated. The proposed mechanism of the reaction agrees with the experimental results. The oxidation product is supposed to be the bis-selenosemicarbazidinium cation. The postulation of formation of this cation is based on the electronic structure and reactivity of selenosemicarbazide. The reaction can be used for copper determination.