Activation and transfer of oxygen. V. Spontaneous oxidation of 1,3,10‐trimethyl‐5,10‐dihydroalloxazine in acidic media in connection with its hydroxylating ability

Abstract

Abstract On autoxidation several dihydroalloxazines show a strong hydroxylating ability without addition of metal compounds. The assumption in the literature that N 1 ‐alkylated dihydroalloxazines (I) cannot activate oxygen was proved to be wrong. The material balance was studied both in the absence and in the presence of phenylalanine as a substrate. Both autoxidation and hydroxylation to tyrosines were in agreement with calculations based on a theory which has already been put forward. Hydroxylation of organic compounds may be inhibited by some inorganic anions. An explanation is given for the inhibition occurring in hydrochloric acid.