Trace metal-ion catalysis: kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of l-ascorbic acid by chromium(VI) in phosphate buffers

Summary The kinetics of oxidation of l-ascorbic acid (H₂A) by Cr^VI with and without added Cu^II conforms to the stoichiometry represented by the equation: 2Cr^VI + 3H₂A 2Cr^III + 3A + 6H⁺ where A is dehydroascorbic acid. The mode of the electron transfer from H₂A to Cr^VI is suggested to involve oxidative decomposition of an intermediate complex. Catalysis by Cu^II is indicated via complexation of the catalyst and substrate. The inhibitory effects of Cl^–, NO _f3 ^p– and SO _f4 ^p2– ions indirectly support complexation between Cr^VI and H₂A.