THERMAL-ISOMERIZATION OF THE NEUROTOXIN BETA-N-OXALYL-L-ALPHA,BETA-DIAMINOPROPIONIC ACID

The rate constants and reaction order for the conversion of the neurot oxin beta-ODAP to alpha-ODAP have been determined, after off-line ther mal treatment, using the recently developed flow injection system for the neurotoxin based on a glutamate oxidase reactor. The effects of th e initial concentration of the toxin, temperature and pH on the kineti cs and the equilibrium of the endothermic process were examined. The c onversion followed a zero order rate law. The reaction rate at pH 7 in creased by about two-fold for every 10 degrees temperature rise. The r ate at pH 2 was about 60% higher than at pH 7. (C) 1997 Elsevier Scien ce Ltd.