Determination of L- and D-2-Halopropanoic Acids and 2-Halobutanoic Acids with Bacterial Dehalogenases

Abstract

A simple method for the enantioselective determination of 2-halopropanoic acids and 2-halobutanoic acids with two bacterial 2-halo acid dehalogenases has been developed. L-2-Halo acid dehalogenase acts specifically on L-2-haloalkanoic acids, and DL-2-halo acid dehalogenase acts on both enantiomers of the acids. The dehalogenation was followed by determination of halogen ions released. Linear relationship was established between the absorbance at 460 nm, and the amounts of L-2-haloalkanoic acids (0.025-0.5 μmol) or the racemates (0.05-1.0 μmol). The D-isomers were estimated by subtracting the amounts of L-isomers from those of DL-2-haloalkanoic acids.

Key Words:

• 2-halopropanoic acids
• 2-halobutanoic acids
• enantioselective determination
• bacterial dehalogenases