Copper catalyzed alkaline autoxidation of selenocystamine

In alkaline medium and in the presence of cupric ions selenocystamine undergoes autoxidation and is entirely transformed into selenohypotaurine. Among the different metal ions tested, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ag, Mg, Mn, only cupric ions are effective in catalyzing the reaction. The reaction shows an optimum around pH 13. In most respects the autoxidation of selenocystamine is similar to the alkaline autoxidation of cystamine. Some data on the paper and ion exchange chromatographic behaviour of selenohypotaurine and selenotaurine are reported, as also details for the synthesis of selenotaurine.