Open AccessSimple synthesis of a 4a-hydroperoxy adduct of a 1,5-dihydroflavine: preliminary studies of a model for bacterial luciferase.
Author(s) -
Cemal Kemal,
Thomas C. Bruice
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.73.4.995
Subject(s) - chemiluminescence , alkyl , chemistry , aldehyde , flavin group , bioluminescence , luciferase , adduct , photochemistry , redox , organic chemistry , catalysis , biochemistry , enzyme , transfection , gene
The solution chemistry of N(5)-alkyl flavinium cations and radical species formed by their le- reduction are discussed. Previously unknown, the 4a-flavine hydroperoxides are established to be formed on reaction of N(5)-alkyl flavinium cations with H2O2 or on reaction of N(5)-alkyl-1, 5-dihydroflavines with 3O2. The stability of the 4a-flavine hydroperoxide species is exemplified in the isolation and characterization of 4a-hydroperoxy-N(5)-ethyl-3-methyl-lumiflavine. 4a-Flavine hydroperoxide compounds are shown to be stronger oxidants than H2O2, and to undergo a chemiluminescent reaction in the presence of an aldehyde. Preliminary observations on the chemiluminescent reaction of 4a-flavine hydroperoxides + RCHO are provided, and these are compared to those in the literature dealing with the bioluminescence of bacterial luciferase in the presence of 3O2 and RCHO.