Synthesis of deuterium derivatives of L-aspartic acid.

Abstract

All the possibie deuterium derivatives of L-aspartic acid were prepared by combining various enzymic and chemical reactions. Deuterium analysis by mass spectrometry showed the syntheses proceeded as expected. A comparison of the infrared absorption spectra of the 16 preparations showed they were all different and not contaminated with each other, suggesting an absolute specificity of the enzyme reactions employed. The infrared spectra showed that preparations with a H atom on the alpha carbon show 2 absorption peaks around 1340 cm/sup -1/ that disappear on deuteration. They can easily be assigned to 2 alpha -CH bending vibrations. The preparations with materials at -CH/sub 2/ or materials at - CHD groups show an absorption around 1260 cm/sup -1/. They can be assigned to materials at -CH/sub 2/ wagging vibration or to materials at -CH bending vibrations. (TCO)