Investigations into Heteropolyanions as Electrocatalysts for the Oxidation of Adrenaline

The electrocatalytic behavior of a group of metal substituted heteropolyanions towards the oxidation of adrenaline was investigated in solution studies using both UV/vis and electrochemical techniques. Of the metal (M′) substituted Dawson phosphotungstates ([P2W17O61M′]n−) examined, iron, copper and vanadium substituted compounds accelerated the oxidation of adrenaline to adrenochrome. Both UV and electrochemical data support this conclusion, though further studies are necessary in order to deduce the exact role the metal plays in this process. The results presented here will form the basis for more thorough investigations into heteropolyanions as catalysts for catecholamines in the immobilized phase with the ultimate development of a sensor for adrenaline.