10.1021/jm00289a013
The research focuses on the synthesis and enzymatic study of bromomesaconic acid (4) and bromocitraconic acid (11), exploring their potential as active site labeling reagents for enzymes involved in dicarboxylic acid metabolism. The study aims to understand the inhibitory effects of these compounds on specific enzymes, such as fumarase, and to establish their potential as irreversible inhibitors. The researchers synthesized both unlabeled and 14C-labeled bromomesaconic acid (4) and bromocitraconic acid (11) using various chemical reactions, including bromination and hydrolysis. They found that compound 4 is a potent irreversible inhibitor for yeast and pig heart fumarase, while 11 also inactivates fumarase but at a slower rate. The study concludes that these brominated compounds could serve as valuable tools for studying enzyme active sites due to their specific inhibitory properties.