THE ELECTROCHEMISTRY OF L-CYSTINE AND L-CYSTEINE .1. THERMODYNAMIC AND KINETIC-STUDIES

Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of the electrochemistry of L-cystine reduction and L-cysteine oxidation are reviewed. Both mercury and a r ange of solid electrodes are considered. In the former case, cysteinat e complex formation occurs; in the case of solid electrodes, reactant adsorption is a complicating factor. At both types of electrode, the k inetics of electron transfer and mass transport of reactant can become an important rate-determining step. The implications of thermodynamic and kinetic studies on the electrosynthesis of L-cysteine are highlig hted.