Defluorination of methoxyflurane by glutathione and coenzyme B12

Fluoride was eliminated from methoxyflurane in solutions which contained glutathione and coenzyme B12. The reaction rate was maximal at pH 10 and was dependent upon the concentration of each reactant under specified conditions. A stoichiometric ratio of 2 was found between the amount of glutathione utilized and the amount of fluoride generated in the reaction. Glutathione disulfide was the only stable ninhydrin-positive reaction product identified.