Formation of copper(I) oxides at an electrode-electrolyte interface upon electroreduction of copper(II) complexes

Cathodic formation of lower copper oxides in a solution of aminoacid copper(IT) complexes was studied under low polarization. In a solution of a complex having a single coordinated aminoacid residue, the process follows the logarithmic law to the time tau(cr) and then obeys a parabolic dependence. The value of tau(cr) decreases in the following sequence of aminoacids: Leu < Ala < Gly. With a complex having two similar coordinated anions, tau(cr) is not observed. It is concluded that the kinetics of the cathodic and anodic formation of the oxide films at an electrode-electrolyte interface is similar.