Formation of 4,8-DiMeIQx from the model system fructose, alanine and creatinine. Comparison with the isomeric 5,8-DiMeIQx.

In a previous paper, the main mutagenic compound isolated from the model reaction system D-fructose, DL-alanine and creatinine was tentatively identified as 4,8-DiMeIQx. Its mutagenic activity and spectral characteristics have now been compared with those of the isomer 5,8-DiMeIQx. The comparison clearly demonstrates that the isolated compound was indeed 4,8-DiMeIQx. This finding is in agreement with the hypothesis that sugars, amino acids and creatinine present in meat may be the precursors of the mutagenic imidazoquinolin- and imidazoquinoxalin-2-amines (IQ compounds).