A study of the aerobic reaction between dopamine and Fe(III) in the presence of S2O32

The reaction between Fe(III) and dopamine in aqueous solution in the presence of Na2S2O3 was followed through UV–Vis spectroscopy, pH and oxy-reduction potential (Eh) measurements. The formation and quick disappearing of the complex [Fe(III)HL1−]2+, HL1− = monoprotonated dopamine was observed with or without S2O3 2− at pH 3. An unexpected reaction occurs in presence of thiosulfate forming the stable anion complex [Fe(III)(L2−)2]1−, L2− = dopacatecholate (λ = 580 nm) and the auto-increasing of the pH, from 3 to 7. It was proposed that H+ and molecular oxygen are consumed by free radical thiosulfate formed during the reaction.