Abstract
Gamma-radiolysis of fructose in aqueous solution under aerated conditions formed various oxidized products, such as dicarbonyl hexoses, lower molecular aldoses and aldonic acids. Among these radiolytic products, D-arabinohexosulose (1, G=2.2) and D-threo-2, 5-hexodiulose (2, G=1.5) were identified as major hexose derivatives, and D-threo-2, 3-hexodiulose (3) and D-lyxo-hexos-5-ulose (4) as minor products. The radiolytic processes were found to be derived through fructose radicals, similarly to anaerobic radiolysis of fructose. The mechanism of radiolysis was proposed to be initiated by hydrogen abstraction with hydroxyl radical, followed by formation and degradation of fructose hydroperoxy radicals.
