OXYGENATION OF BIPHENYL BY THE REAGENT SYSTEM Fe (MeCN) ²⁺₆-H₂O₂-Ac₂O : AN IMPLICATION TO THE MECHANISM IN MAMMALIAN METABOLISM

Abstract

Oxygenation of biphenyl with Fe (MeCN) ²⁺₆-H₂O₂-Ac₂O, a model enzyme system for mono-oxygenase, was explored in connection with mammalian metabolism. The reaction yielded 2-and 4-acetoxy derivatives in a ratio of 2.5 : 1. The mechanism of this reaction may be a laboratory model explaining the biological mechanism whereby biphenyl is oxygenated by heme-containing mono-oxygenase.