PRODUCTION OF FREE RADICALS IN REDUCED GLUTATHIONE AND PENICILLAMINE BY THERMAL HYDROGEN ATOMS AND X-RADIATION

Electron-spin-resonance spectroscopy was used to observe the free radicals induced in reduced penicillamine and reduced glutathione both by x-irradiation and bombardment by thermal hydrogen atoms. X-irradiation at 77°K indicated that free radicals were initially located on αcarbon atoms in both molecules. When irradiated penicillamine was gradually warmed, E.S.R. centres were completely transferred to sulphur at about 200°K. In the case of irradiated glutathione, however, 8 days at room temperature were required for transfer of E.S.R. centres to sulphur. Hydrogen-atom bombardment resulted in the formation of the organo-sulphur radical in both compounds without evidence of hydrogen abstraction from αcarbon atoms. © 1969 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.