γ-Radiation-induced carboxylation of pyrrolidine

Abstract

Amino acids produced in the γ-radiation-induced carboxylation of pyrrolidine and formate in neutral aqueous solution have been studied. Two products only were found in the ratio 1 : 5.5. The minor product, proline, and the major product, pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid, have been characterized. Their presence indicates that the predominant site of hydrogen abstraction from pyrrolidine by radiation-generated hydroxyl radicals is β to the amino group.