A kinetic study of the acid autoxidation of tryptophan

Abstract

The decomposition of tryptophan in aqueous HC1 at 100°C has been shown to proceed by a free-radical autoxidation mechanism. The acid functions by protonating the amino acid at either the 1- or 3-positions prior to autoxidation and so 1-methyltryptophan is also decomposed under these conditions. Impurities present in the soda glass containers used are shown to be responsible for the initiation of the reaction. The decomposition of tryptophan during the acid hydrolysis of proteins is considered in the light of these results.