Mechanism of oxidation of N-hydroxyphentermine by superoxide

Cytochrome P-450 oxidizes N-hydroxyphentermine (MPPNHOH) by an indirect pathway involving superoxide. The chemical details of this oxidation, in which N-hydroxyphentermine is converted to 2-methyl-2-nitro-1-phenylpropane (MPPNO2), have been elucidated by examining the interaction of MPPNHOH with superoxide in aqueous and organic solvents. The role of peroxide, hydroperoxy radicals, and oxygen in the reaction was also examined. The results indicate that superoxide itself is oxidizing MPPNHOH to a nitroxide that disproportionates to MPPNHOH and 2-methyl-2-nitroso-1-phenylpropane (MPPNO). MPPNO is then oxidized to MPPNO2 by O2 or hydroperoxide. Two possible mechanisms for the superoxide oxidation were considered, a proton abstraction and a hydrogen atom abstraction. Stoichiometric and oxygen evolution studies favor the hydrogen abstraction pathway.