Fast Reactions of Ascorbic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide in Ice, a Presumptive Early Environment

Nonenzymatic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide proceeded more rapidly in ice than in liquid water. At 5 x 10(-7)M ferric chloride or 10(-8)M cupric chloride, breakdown of hiydrogen peroxide was significant at -11 degrees and -18 degrees but negligible at +1 degrees C. Ascorbic acid oxidation was faster in ice both with or without added metalion. Nonparallel effects of metals and pH indicate, mechanism changes in ice.