
%0 Journal Article
%A Holden, JW 
%A Main, L 
%T The kinetics and mechanism of the oxidation of mercaptoethanol by riboflavin
%J Australian Journal of Chemistry
%D 1977/06/01
%V 30
%N 6
%P 1387-1391
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/CH9771387
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/CH9771387 
%X Kinetic study of the oxidation of mercaptoethanol (RSH) by riboflavin (FlH) over the pH range 8.5-10.5 establishes that the rate is given by the term 0.036[FlH][RSH][RS-]]2 mol-2 s-1, there being no buffer catalysis. Any reactivity of the N 3-ionized riboflavin species (Fl-) is sufficiently low to be kinetically undetected. The kinetic form and lack of general acid catalysis are consistent with a nucleophilic (thiolate) 4a-addition-elimination mechanism previously proposed, but a possible alternative mechanism involving a flavin semiquinone (radical) intermediate is suggested. 
