1-DEOXY-D-XYLULOSE

1-Deoxy-D-xylulose (= 1-deoxy-D-threoperitulose) is a precursor of thiamin (Vitamin B-1) and of pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6) in bacteria. The synthesis of a [2,3-C-13(2)] bond-labeled sample of the compound, to be used for investigations of the biosynthesis of the two vitamins, is described. In aqueous solution 1-deoxy-D-xylulose exists mainly as the open chain ketone. In methanol solution the compound exists as a mixture of the open chain ketone and the two corresponding epimeric furanoses. In acid solution the compound yields a dimeric anhydride, di-beta-1-deoxy-D-xylulofuranose 2,3':3,2'-dianhydride, whose structure was established by X-ray crystallography.