Metal ion-induced activation of molecular oxygen in pigmented polymers.

Diamagnetic and paramagnetic metal ions enhanced the rate of production of hydrogen peroxide during autoxidation of melanin pigments, as measured using an oxidase electrode. However, redox-active metal ions, such as Fe3+ and Cu2+, caused a marked decrease in H2O2 production. Evidence for redox-active metal ion-dependent formation of hydroxyl radicals during autoxidation of melanin pigments has been obtained using the electron spin resonance-spin trapping method. Evidence for direct reduction of Fe3+ by melanin polymers also has been obtained using optical spectroscopy. Mechanisms of molecular activation of oxygen induced by metal ions on melanin polymers are discussed.