OXIDATION OF HYPOTAURINE TO TAURINE BY ULTRAVIOLET-IRRADIATION

Abstract

Oxidation of hypotaurine to taurine occurs in vivo. Search for an enzyme performing that oxidation has been unsuccessful. Fast and quantitative oxidation of hypotaurine (and other sulfinates) by UV irradiation has now been observed. The reaction is 1st order and pH-dependent, and its rate depends strongly on the kind of sulfinate irradiated. Only the corresponding sulfonate is recovered as the product under the relatively mild conditions used. Catalase or superoxide dismutase do not affect the oxidation, which is O2-dependent. A simple reaction scheme is proposed.