A homogeneous redox catalytic process for the paired synthesis of l-cysteine and l-cysteic acid from l-cystine

Redox catalytic process involved in the paired electrosynthesis of l-cysteine and l-cysteic acid from l-cystine is investigated by cyclic voltammetric technique and also confirmed by preparative electrolysis. The cyclic voltammetric behaviour shows that in the catholyte, in situ deposited tin (Sn) surface acts as a redox catalyst for the electro-reduction of l-cystine to l-cysteine whereas in the anolyte, the electro-generated bromine acts as a homogeneous redox mediator to enhance the electro-oxidation of l-cystine. l-Cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate (l-cysteine) and l-cysteic acid are prepared from l-cystine by preparative electrolysis with high purity and high yield using graphite cathode and DSA anode. At optimum concentration of l-cystine with 1:1 concentration ratio (catholyte:anolyte), the material yield obtained for l-cysteine is above 80% and that for l-cysteic acid is close to 60% in the paired electrosynthesis process in the batch operation. Scope for further experiments in conversion efficiency is also discussed.