Generation, basic chemistry, and detection of N-nitrosotryptophan derivatives.

N-Terminal blocked tryptophan derivatives like melatonin or tryptophan residues in peptides are easily nitrosated at the nitrogen atom of the indole ring to give the corresponding N-nitrosotryptophan derivatives. This article provides a comprehensive view of the synthesis, chemical properties, and detection methods of this class of N-nitroso compounds of potential importance in biological systems.