THE NON-ENZYMIC REDUCTION OF TRIMETHYLAMINE OXIDE TO TRIMETHYLAMINE, DIMETHYLAMINE, AND FORMALDEHYDE

Trimethylamine oxide at temperatures between 22°–24 °C. is readily reduced by cysteine in the presence of iron or hemoglobin as a catalyst. Trimethylamine is the major product of this reduction, but appreciable amounts of dimethylamine and formaldehyde are also formed. The maximum reduction of trimethylamine oxide is between pH 7 and 8. Glutathione could not replace cysteine as a reducing agent, neither could copper or manganese replace iron compounds as catalysts. Larger amounts of iron (Fe++) could also reduce trimethylamine oxide with the formation of the above products. A mechanism for the reaction is proposed.