Abstract
The formation of amino acids from several α-keto acids by γ-irradiation in aqueous ammonia solution was investigated. The yield of every amino acid was studied as a function of radiation dose as well as of concentrations of α-keto acid and ammonia. The reaction process was proposed as the reductive amination of α-keto acids induced by irradiation. On the amination of pyruvic acid alanine was formed (G=0.75) . In the amination of phenylpyruvic acid phenylalanine was obtained (G=0.5) . The amination of α-keto-isovaleric acid and α-keto-isocapronic acid leads to the formation of varine (G=0.84) and leucine (G=0.68), respectively. Tryptophan was found as the corresponding amino acid by amination of indolpyruvic acid (G=0.45) .
