Thermal isomerization of the neurotoxin β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diam inopropion ic acid

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0031-9422(96)00826-6

The rate constants and reaction order for the conversion of the neurotoxin β-ODAP to α-ODAP have been determined, after off-line thermal treatment, using the recently developed flow injection system for the neurotoxin based on a glutamate oxidase reactor. The effects of the initial concentration of the toxin, temperature and pH on the kinetics and the equilibrium of the endothermic process were examined. The conversion followed a zero order rate law. The reaction rate at pH 7 increased by about two-fold for every 10°temperature rise. The rate at pH 2 was about 60% higher than at pH 7.