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Specialty Chemistry Forums => Biochemistry and Chemical Biology Forum => Topic started by: _Espard_ on January 11, 2015, 07:18:16 PM

Title: Production of O2 via xanthine and H2O2
Post by: _Espard_ on January 11, 2015, 07:18:16 PM

My question is pretty much summed up in the title. I'm curious if anyone can weigh in on the possibility of mixing xanthine and H2O2 in solution to produce O2 and hypoxanthine. This reaction is normally catalyzed by xanthine oxidase (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xanthine_oxidase).

Is a simple mixing of these two components sufficient to produce O2? Is xanthine oxidase needed?

Not too familiar with biochemistry and biological processes, so any info would be appreciated. Also, not sure if this is the correct forum for this, but since it involves enzyme catalysts typically, I figured it'd be the best fit.

Title: Re: Production of O2 via xanthine and H2O2
Post by: Babcock_Hall on January 12, 2015, 10:05:03 AM

In general enzymes catalyze reactions with accelerations of one-millionfold on up, but there is no way to be certain unless one does the experiment.  I don't have specific experience with this enzyme.  Another thing to look into is the equilibrium constant for this reaction (which of course is not affected by the enzyme).  The reaction you describe may not be favorable thermodynamically.