Spectroscopic investigation and oxidation of the anticholinergic drug atropine sulfate monohydrate by hexacyanoferrate(III) in aqueous alkaline media: a mechanistic approach

The oxidation of the anticholinergic drug atropine sulfate monohydrate by hexacyanoferrate(III) in aqueous alkaline media was investigated spectrophotometrically by monitoring the decrease in absorbance of hexacyanoferrate(III) (HCF(III)). Oxidation products were identified. The oxidation mechanism was proposed from kinetic studies. The reaction constants involved in the different steps of the mechanism were calculated. The effects of added products, ionic strength, and dielectric constant of the reaction were investigated. The polymerization test revealed that oxidation occurred with intervention of free radicals. The activation parameters were evaluated.