Susceptibility of aromatic nitro compounds to xanthine oxidase-catalyzed reduction.

Abstract

The reduction of aromatic nitro compounds was investigated in purified milk xanthine oxidase-xanthine system. The p-substituted nitro compounds with electron-withdrawing groups served as an efficient acceptor of electron, whereas those with electron-repelling groups were less active. The reduction products formed from some nitro compounds were also examined by thin-layer chromatography and spectrophotometry. As a result, the corresponding hydroxylamines were identified in all cases. Furthermore, the reduction of ortho, meta and para isomers of some nitro compounds was investigated in the same manner. The reduction rate was greatest at para substitution of electron-withdrawing group and at meta substitution of electron-repelling group, respectively.