The reduction of dinitrophenols by redox indicators and enzymes

Abstract

No evidence was obtained that the reduction of dinitrophenols is reversible. The potential level at which the reduction of dinitro-o-cresol becomes apparent is ca. [long dash]0.05v. Dinitro-phenols are reduced by xanthine, formate, and lactate in presence of the appropriate enzymes. With the enzymes of the last 2 systems a small amt. of a suitable reversible redox system must be added before reduction occurs. The product of reduction of 2:4 dinitrophenol by formic dehydrogenase-formate is 4-nitro-2-aminophenol.