Electrochemical and peroxidase catalysed oxidation of 1,7-dimethyluric acid and effect of methyl groups on the oxidation mechanism

Abstract

The electrochemical oxidation of 1,7-dimethyluric acid has been studied over a wide pH range of 2.2–10.3 at solid electrodes. Based on the results obtained from linear and cyclic sweep voltammetry, coulometry, spectroscopic studies and various analytical studies, a reaction mechanism has been proposed. The enzymatic oxidation of 1,7-dimethyluric acid has also been found to follow an identical pathway. The products of oxidation have been separated and characterized by using mp, ¹H NMR and mass spectra. N-Methylation of the pyrimidine ring of purine causes protonation of nitrogen and affects the oxidation mechanism by not permitting the ring contraction of the diol intermediate.