THE INFLUENCE OF FOLIC ACID ON THE RATE OF H$_2$O$_2$ DECOMPOSITION IN ALKALINE AND ACIDIC AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

Abstract

The action of folic acid (FA) has been studied on the reaction H₂O₂+HOO^–, which occurs in alkaline and H₂O₂+Fe(II), which occurs in acidic aqueous solutions. It has been established that in both cases FA decreases the rate ($W_{O_2}$) of H₂O₂ decomposition. The increase of [FA]₀ results in decrease of $W_{O_2}$ in alkaline medium. It is concluded that FA (its anion) acts on $W_{O_2}$ of H₂O₂ decomposition, which occurs by radical-chain mechanism. An unusual phenomenon is also noticed. During the reaction in alkaline medium approximately 1 min the reaction is stopped, then it begins to run again, but with a decreased rate. It is assumed that during the reaction a compound is formed by radical mechanism, which reacts with O₂. The tablets of FA which are for sale in pharmacies contain a definite quantity of starch. For this reason its influence on the reactions is studied too. It is established that it has no significant influence on the reactions’ rates in both cases.