Biochemical Studies on 2-Ketogulonic Acid Methylester

Abstract

The author has already reported that 2-ketogulonic acid methylester (KGM) has an antiscorbutic action and, in the presence of the extract from plant and animal tissues, SH-compounds, barbituric acid derivatives etc., turn into a Vitamin C-like substance, which, in the author's opinion, is decided as ascorbic acid (AsA) (1-4). If so, what sort of mechanism is at work for the formation of Vitamin C from KGM ? Is the Vitamin C produced directly by enolisation and lactonisation from KGM which may take place? Or might it be assumed that Vitamin C is formed through some intermediary produced from KGM ? * Prof .: A. UETA, M. D.