CATALYTIC ACTIVITY OF THE CU(II)-WOOL COMPLEX ON THE OXIDATION OF ASCORBIC-ACID

We have studied the catalytic action of the Cu(II)-wool complex in the oxidation of L-ascorbic acid and D-isoascorbic acid; the oxidation reaction is accelerated at higher pH. This catalyst shows a so-called Michaelis-Menten saturation behavior. The Michaelis constants (Km) and the reaction rate constants of the Cu(II)-wool complex/substrate complex were obtained from Lineweaver-Burk plots. The catalyst reveals slight stereoselectivity in the oxidation Of L-ascorbic acid and D-isoascorbic acid.