Destruction of indole-3-acetic acid during the aerobic oxidation of sulfite

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was rapidly destroyed in the presence of Mn²⁺, oxygen and sulfite ion. The optimal pH for the reaction was between 5 and 6. The destruction was dependent on the aerobic oxidation of sulfite, but was not inhibited by superoxide dismutase. Tracer studies indicate that IAA was converted into at least 3 compounds. Decarboxylation of IAA was not involved in the destruction.