Copper(II) ions catalyze the oxidation of ascorbic acid by molecular oxygen. The mechanism involves coordination of the reactants to the metal ion. Malate ions, when present, also coordinates to copper(II) and inhibits the catalytic effect. The specific kinetic constants (k / mol-1 L min.-1) of the reaction in presence of malate ions, are 46.58, 7.11 and 30.00 at pH 3.5, 4.5 and 5.8, respectively. The k value decreases when pH increases from 3.5 to 4.5, which is in accord with the more effectively coordination of the malate to copper(II).
ascorbic acid; copper(II); malate
