A physical explanation of the EPR spectrum observed during catalysis by enzymes utilizing coenzyme B12

We have proposed that the "doublet" EPR spectra observed during catalysis by a number of coenzyme B12-requiring enzymes arises from a weak electrostatic exchange interaction between an organic free radical and low spin Co(II), B12r. By varying the magnitude of the exchange of coupling we have quite accurately simulated the published EPR spectra from the enzyme systems: diol dehydrase, glycerol dehydrase, ribonucleotide reductase, and ethanolamine ammon-ia lyase. A dipolar model was shown to be incompatible with the observed properties of these systems.