Oxidation of methionine by X2.- in aqueous solution and characterization of some S therefore X three-electron bonded intermediates. A pulse radiolysis study.

The primary steps of the oxidation of methionine, Met, by X2.- (X = Cl; Br, I, SCN) have been investigated using pulse radiolysis techniques. In principle, the mechanism follows the same pattern which has been established for the OH radical induced oxidation. It is characterized by a primary attack at the sulphur atom and the formation of sulphur-centred radical cations S+. and S therefore (+) S as key intermediates. At pH greater than pKa of the carboxyl group these can then oxidize the amino function intramolecularly, which subsequently leads to irreversible decarboxylation. An additional important intermediate is a S therefore X radical with a three-electron bond between sulphur and halide. This radical is linked to the OH . radical induced mechanism through the equilibrium S therefore X + Met in equilibrium with S therefore (+) S + X-, and in addition exists in the equilibria X2.- + Met in equilibrium with S therefore X + X-, S therefore X in equilibrium with S+. + X- and S therefore X in equilibrium with Met + X.. The S therefore X- species absorb at 410, 400, and 390 nm for X = I, Br, and Cl, respectively. Absolute rate constants have been measured for the reactions S therefore (+) S + I- (k = 1.0 x 10(10) mol-1 ls-1, pH 1.4), Br2.- + Met (k = 2.5 x 10(9), 1.7 x 10(9), and 2.0 x 10(9) mol-1 ls-1 at pH 1, 5, and 11, respectively) and Cl2.- + Met (k = 3.9 x 10(9) mol-1 ls-1, pH 1). Methionine is also oxidized by (SCN)2.- whereas any significant oxidation by I2.- is not indicated. N-acetylmethionine, a model compound for a sulphur-containing peptide, and some other methionine derivatives are oxidized by X2.- in the same way, that is, through electrophilic addition at the sulphur function. The results require reinterpretation of some data published in the literature and are discussed in view of a 'selective free radical attack'.