Complexing and redox properties of the system D-galacturonic acid-iron(III)

The stoichiometry of the reduction reaction and D-galacturonic acid with iron(III) has been determined, leading to a 4:1 ratio between the quantities of reduced iron and oxidized D-galacturonic acid, respectively. This last molecule is oxidized to formic acid, and the residue is thought to present a further terminal carboxylic group. The reducing predominant species appears to be the FeGal3 complex