Enzymatic oxidation of mercaptoethanol to isethinic acid and isethionic acid

The enzymatic oxidation of mercaptoethanol by purified cysteamine oxygenase has been studied. Products were identified by chromatography as isethinic acid (2-hydroxyethan-sulfinic acid) and isethionic acid. Other features of the reaction, as cofactor requirement, the influence of the enzyme concentration on the stage of oxidation, the biological significance of this reaction are also discussed.