Mechanistic aspects of uncatalysed and Os(VIII) catalysed oxidation of 5-flourouracil - An anticancer drug by alkaline diperiodatoargentate(III)

The kinetics of uncatalysed and osmium(VIII) catalysed oxidation of 5-fluorouracil by diperiodatoargentate(III) (DPA) in aqueous alkaline medium was studied by spectrophotometer. Suitable mechanisms are proposed and active species of DPA and osmium(VIII) were identified. The main products were identified and characterised by spectral studies.