Oxidation of di-peptides with Mn(III): Synthesis, characterization and mechanistic study

Synthesis and characterization of the dipeptides(DP) namely Glycyl-Proline (Gly-Pro), Alanyl-Proline (Ala-Pro) and Valyl-Proline (Val-Pro), were made. Kinetics of oxidation of these DP by Mn(III) have been studied in the presence of sulfate ions in acidic medium at 26 degreesC. The reaction was followed spectrophotometrically at gimel (max) = 500 nm. A first order dependence of rate on both Mn(III) and DP was observed. The rate is independent of the concentration of reduction product, Mn(II) and hydrogen ions. Effects of varying dielectric constant of the medium and addition of anions such as sulfate, chloride and perchlorate were studied. Activation parameters have been evaluated using Arrhenius and Eyring plots. The oxidation products were isolated and characterized. A mechanism involving the reaction of DP with Mn(III) in the rate limiting step is suggested.