Autoxidation of 5-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolic acid

Abstract

The autoxidation of 5-Methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolic acid has been studied by kinetic methods and product analysis. The yields of the two major products, 5-methyl-5,6-dihydrofolic acid and 4a-hydroxy-5-methyl-4a,5,6,7-tetrahydrofolic acid, were determined under a variety of conditions. Attempts to observe or isolate possible intermediate organic hydroperoxides failed. A mechanistic interpretation is considered.