A simple method for analysis of consecutive reactions with a second order formation and a first order decay of an intermediate

A simple method is developed to evaluate rate constants from absorbance-time traces for a pair of consecutive reactions consisting of a second order formation and a first order decay of an intermediate. Initially, a first order profile is simulated utilizing the data near the end of the reaction. The difference between this simulated and observed profiles provides the absorbance-time data for the initial phase from which a second order rate constant is evaluated. These rate constants were used to simulate composite kinetic curves which were then compared with experimental curves. This method was used to test the reaction between cis-Pt(NH3)(2)(H2O)(2)(2+) and a nonapeptide, ERFKCPCPT. The reaction proceeds through a cysteine coordinated intermediate formed in a second order process (first order with respect to each reactant). The intermediate is then converted to a product through a first order process, in which both cysteines are coordinated to platinum(II).