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

Abstract
Nonenzymatic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide proceeded more rapidly in ice than in liquid water. At 5 x 10-7M ferric chloride or 10-8M cupric chloride, breakdown of hiydrogen peroxide was significant at -11° and -18° but negligible at +1°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.