Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

A Method to Manipulate Surface Tension of a Liquid Metal via Surface Oxidation and Reduction
Published on: January 26, 2016
Redox buffering of hypochlorous acid by thiocyanate in physiologic fluids
Michael T Ashby1, Amy C Carlson, M Jared Scott
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 620 Parrington Oval, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, USA. mashby@ou.edu
Abstract:
The major antimicrobial products of neutrophilic myeloperoxidase (MPO) in physiologic fluids are hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypothiocyanite (OSCN-), and the former is generally believed to be the killing agent. However, we have determined that HOCl oxidizes SCN- in a facile nonenzymic reaction. The observed kinetics and computational models substantiate the hypothesis that SCN- serves to moderate the potential autotoxicity of HOCl by restricting its lifetime in physiologic fluids. Furthermore, the oxidizing equivalents of HOCl are preserved in OSCN-, a more discriminate biocide that is not lethal to mammalian cells.
Related Concept Videos
Gas Exchange and Transport
Balancing Redox Equations
Oxygen Transport in the Blood
Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer
Corrosion of Reinforcement
However, over time and under certain conditions like carbonation, chloride ingress, and cracking this protective state can be compromised. Steel has areas with...
Acid Mine Drainage

