Cyclic Voltammetry of Auranofin

The oxidative behavior of Auranofin, 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-1-thio-β-D-glucopyranosato- S(triethylphosphine)gold(I), was investigated by using cyclic voltammetry (CV) in 0.1 M Bu(4)NPF(6)/CH(2)Cl(2) and 0.1 M Bu(4)NPF(4)/CH(2)Cl(2) solutions using Pt working and auxiliary electrodes and a Ag/AgCI reference. CV studies at scan rates from 50-2,000 mV/s and Auranofin concentrations between 1 and 4 mM, show two irreversible oxidation processes occurring at +1.1 V and +1.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Ph(3) (p-thiocresolate) was also investigated as a reference for comparison of the oxidation processes in Auranofin to that of other phosphine gold thiolate complexes previously reported. The electrochemical response appears to be sensitive to adsorption at the electrode as well as to the nature of the supporting electrolyte solution. Repeated cycling shows a build up of products at the electrode.