The reaction of cysteine with the pentacyanonitrosylferrate(2–) ion

Abstract

The title reaction has been studied and it has been found that in the presence of oxygen a catalytic path for the oxidation of cysteine to cystine is established. The rate law is presented, and the mechanism is discussed on the basis of observed effects of the reagent concentrations on the extrapolated initial absorbance of the solution at 522 nm, and on the experimental pseudo-first-order rate of disappearance of colour. Cyanide ion has a remarkable influence on the course of the reaction.