On the Mechanism of Thymine Formation from Thymine Glycol by γ-irradiation in Aqueous System

Summary

To elucidate the mechanism of the reverse reaction from thymine glycol to thymine in aqueous solution by γ-irradiation, the effects of oxygen, pH and various scavengers were studied. These results indicate that the reaction is due principally to hydrated electrons. This was also demonstrated by the reaction of thymine glycol with chemically-produced electrons. The rate constant of the reaction with hydrated electrons was estimated by the competition method. E.s.r. studies in ethylene glycol glass suggested the presence of the anion intermediate. A reaction mechanism involving disproportionate processes in thymine formation is proposed.