FORMATION OF PYRAZINE COMPOUNDS IN SUGAR-AMINO ACID MODEL SYSTEMS

The pathway for the formation of alkylated pyrazine compounds in amino acid-carbohydrate model systems of lowwater content was investigated. Radioisotopic labeling studies indicated that sugars were the principal source of the carbon atoms, while amino acids mostly furnished only nitrogen to the pyrazine molecule. Ammonium ions were not the common intermediate through which nitrogen entered the pyrazine ring. Possible pathways for fragmentation of hexoses into two- and three-carbon units and their incorporation into pyrazines were developed. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.