Application of an insolubilized hepatic microsomal drug oxidase to the continous production of N ‐oxides

The optimum operating temperature and pH have been determined for a catalyst prepared by the insolubilization of a hepatic microsomal mixed‐function oxidase on glass beads. Temperature is a more significant variable than pH in determining potential catalyst yield (total product/unit catalyst). An operating range of about 25–28°C is optimal with respect to catalyst life at pH 7.6. Like the purified soluble oxidase, the glass bead‐mounted enzyme catalyzes the NADPH‐ and oxygen‐dependent oxidation of a variety of amines, hydrazines, and thioureylenes. The catalyst has been used in a simple slurry reactor to prepare mg quantities of N ‐oxide metabolites of prochlorperazine, guanethidine, and ethylmorphine.