The changes in the oxidation state of the leucocyte enzyme myeloperoxidase, induced by buffer and thiols, were studied with visible-light-absorption spectroscopy. It was concluded that phosphate buffer contains small amounts of H2O2 and that thiols, when added to buffer, induce the generation of minute amounts of superoxide radical anion. These minute amounts of reduced oxygen species are suggested to account for the initiation of myeloperoxidase-oxidase oxidation of thiols. Myeloperoxidase was found to be in its Compound III oxidation state during myeloperoxidase-oxidase oxidation of thiols. However, myeloperoxidase-mediated oxidation of thiols with concomitant O2 consumption can also occur with myeloperoxidase in its Compound II oxidation state. These studies indicate that the ferro and Compound III oxidation states may not be essential intermediates in myeloperoxidase-oxidase oxidation of thiols, but rather that the formation of the Compound III oxidation state retards the reaction.