Kinetic Study of Oxidation of DL-Methionine in Alkaline Medium

Methionine plays a significant role in metabolism. The kinetics of oxidation of DL-Methionine by Hexacyanoferrate in alkaline medium was studied spectrophotometrically. The reaction is first order with respect to oxidant(HCF)and less than unity with respect to substrate(Methionine) and alkali. Results suggest the formation of free radicals in intermediate steps. Alteration of ionic strength had no effect on rate constant. Under different experimental conditions, there is a good agreement between observed and calculated rate constant. Activation parameters were calculated by conducting reaction at different temperatures. Methionine Sulfoxide was identified as oxidation product by spot test analysis and IR spectroscopy.