Hemin-catalyzed generation of triplet acetone.

Hemin can substitute for horseradish peroxidase as a catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of isobutanal to acetone and formate. Previous studies have shown that the chemiphosphorescent emission observed in the enzyme-catalyzed reaction is due to the production of acetone in its triplet state. Although no chemiphosphorescence is observed with the model system (hemin), generation of triplet acetone in this system is indicated by an analysis of data for energy transfer to the 9,10-dibromoanthracene-2-sulfonate ion and for interception of the excited species by the sorbate ion, a known triplet quencher. These data are compared to those obtained with triplet acetone generated by thermal cleavage of tetramethyldioxetane in aqueous solution. The results are in agreement with the hypothesis that the quenching of triplet acetone by oxygen is less efficient in the enzyme catalyzed reaction, pointing to a protective role for the apoenzyme in that system.