Estudio computacional de la cinética y mecanismos de reducción del colorante rojo allura por bisulfito de sodio en fase acuosa

Abstract

The reduction kinetics of allura red dye (E-129, C.I. 16035) by sodium bisulfite at level B3LYP/6-31G(d) in aqueous phase was determined. This was done to evaluate a plausible mechanistic path for the reduction reaction of this important azo dye used in the food industry. The predicted rate constants (kSulf) for the sulfonation step were in good agreement with respect to experimental rate constants reported for some dyes of chemical structure similar to Allura red. On the B3LYP potential energy surface, were located five stationary points corresponding to reactants, transition states and products. The transition states for the first and second step of the reduction reaction are presented for the first time and characterized by calculations of intrinsic reaction coordinate and vibrational frequencies. The activation thermodynamic parameters indicated than the reaction was stable, endothermic and non-spontaneous.