Electrochemical oxidation of 2-thiouracil at pyrolytic graphite electrode.

2-Thiouracil has been studied in phosphate buffers of pH 1.95-11.08 using linear and cyclic sweep voltammetry, coulometry, controlled potential electrolysis and spectral studies. One well-defined oxidation peak I(a) in the pH range 1.95-11.08 was noticed. The number of electrons involved in peak I(a) was found to be four in a thin layer cell whereas under exhaustive electrolysis condition oxidation was found to involve six electrons. A reduction peak II(c) (2e, 2H(+)) is noticed in the reverse sweep. Spectral studies during oxidation were carried out at different pH. Kinetic studies indicated that the decay of the UV-absorbing intermediate is a first order reaction. The products of the electrooxidation have been characterized and a tentative EC mechanism has been suggested for the oxidation of 2-thiouracil.