AbstractThe oxidation of sodium bisulfite in the presence of cationic polyelectrolytes or micelles has been studied. The formation of cationic‐bisulfite complexes is indicated, and a kinetic analysis suggests the validity of the enzyme kinetics applied to determine the kinetic parameters. Distinct differences in the activity of cationics depend on the configuration of the cationics in solution; micelle‐forming cationics are more effective than nonmicellar polycationics, except in the case of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), (PDADM). The oxidation rate is strongly affected by the presence of monomer in the system, especially where nonmicellar polycationics are invol