Characterization of the oxidized states of bromoperoxidase.

Bromoperoxidase Compound I has been formed in reactions between bromoperoxidase and organic peroxide substrates. The absorbance spectrum of bromoperoxidase Compound I closely resembles the Compound I spectra of other peroxidases. The pH dependence of the second order rate constant for the formation of Compound I with hydrogen peroxide demonstrates the presence of an ionizable group at the enzyme active site having a pKa of 5.3. Protonation of this acidic group inhibits the rate of Compound I formation. This pKa value is higher than that determined for other peroxidases but the overall pH rate profiles for Compound I formation are similar. The one-electron reduction of bromoperoxidase Compound I yields Compound II and a second reduction yields native enzyme. Bromoperoxidase Compound II readily forms Compound III in the presence of an excess of hydrogen peroxide. Compound III passes through an as yet uncharacterized intermediate (III) in its decay to native enzyme. Compound III is produced and accumulates in enzymatic bromination reactions to become the predominate steady state form of the enzyme. Since Compound III is inactive as catalyst for enzymatic bromination, its accumulation leads to an idling reaction pathway which displays an unusual kinetic pattern for the bromination of monochlorodimedone.