Replacing the Mixed Function Oxidase N-Demethylation by Hydrogen Peroxide and either Hemoglobin or Ferrous Sulfate

Formaldehyde liberated from N-demethylation of aminopyrine, N-methyl-piperazine and from the optically active (+)-and (-)-ephedrine was quantitated from the incubation mixtures of hepatic microsomes and from reactions of hydrogen peroxide with either hemoglobin or ferrous sulfate. Stereoselectivity was observed only in incubations with hepatic microsomes. N-Formyl derivatives were isolated from the reactions of N-ethylmorpholine, aminopyrine, N-methylpiperazine and N,N'-dimethyl-piperazine with ferrous sulfate and hydrogen peroxide (Fenton reagent). Electron-withdrawing groups (NH, NCH3, O) at the fourth position to the N-alky! group facilitate N-dealkylation with Fenton reagent.