Reply to Eugene et al.: Photochemistry of aqueous pyruvic acid

Abstract

In their letter, Eugene et al. (1) disregard the irrefutable NMR evidence of Griffith et al. (2), presented in support of the minor products acetoin, lactic, and acetic acid in the photolysis of aqueous phase pyruvic acid (PA) (Eugene et al. erroneously state that Griffith et al. claim these as major products). In addition, Eugene et al. (1) argue against Griffith et al.’s mechanism, specifically acetolactic acid decarboxylation, instead favoring their long-range electron transfer mechanism (3, 4). The authors’ objections are addressed below.