Iron oxidation in Mops buffer. Effect of EDTA, hydrogen peroxide and FeCl3

The effect of EDTA and H2O2 on iron autoxidation in Mops buffer depends on the pH of the solution. At acidic pH, EDTA caused the oxidation of a stoichiometric amount of iron. At neutral and alkaline pH, EDTA and H2O2 not only oxidizes a stoichiometric amount of iron but also causes the oxidation of the Fe2+ exceeding the concentration of these compounds. In the presence of EDTA, oxidation of Fe2+ in exceeding the concentration of these compounds has a shorter lag phase and an increased rate compared with that in the absence. The solution develops a yellow colour whose intensity is proportional to the amount of Fe2+ exceeding the concentration of these compounds in solution. When the reaction is conducted in the presence of NBT, formazan formation is greatly reduced compared to the control without EDTA and H2O2. The Fe3+-EDTA complex and Fe3+ affected iron oxidation, development of the yellow colour and NBT reduction in a similar fashion. In all these experimental conditions, iron oxidation is greatly reduced in the presence of mannitol, sorbitol and catalase. In phosphate buffer, EDTA oxidized a stoichiometric amount of iron without affecting free Fe2+ oxidation. Fe3+ has no effect on iron oxidation in this buffer.