Electrochemical investigations of adenosine at solid electrodes

The electrochemical oxidation of adenosine has been studied in the pH range 2.3–10.0 using glassy carbon (GCE) and pyrolytic graphite electrodes (PGE). Voltammetric, coulometric, and spectral studies and product analysis indicate that the oxidation of adenosine occurs in an EC reaction involving a 6e−, 6H+ process at pH 3.0 to give alloxan, urea and ribose as the major products. On the other hand at pH 7.0 the oxidation of adenosine consumed close to 5e− per mole and an OO linked dimer has been characterised as the major product. A tentative mechanism for the formation of the products has also been suggested.