Does bromine atom-free radical (Br·) undergo a chemical reaction before dimerization to dibromine (Br2)? An electrochemical investigation

Abstract

The important question, does bromine atom free radical, Br·, undergo a chemical reaction with a substrate before it dimerizes to dibromine Br2, is investigated through electrochemical oxidation of bromide ion Br−. Cyclic voltammetry and spectrophotometry were used as electro-oxidation and monitoring devices. Simulation of cyclic voltammogram was used to obtain information about the mechanism of electro-oxidation process as well as reaction with substrates. It is shown that the primary electro-oxidation product (PEOP) of Br−, Br· (bromine atom-free radical), reacts with chemicals like chloroform, glycine, cytosine, etc. It can also dimerize, for example in acetonitrile. Reactions of PEOP Br· with substrate chloroform, acetone, DNA components adenine, cytosine, thymine and amino acid glycine were studied and their kinetics are reported here.