By reaction of histidine with glucose under the conditions of roasting (at 220°C) and autoclaving (at 120°C, 150°C and 180°C), 2-acetyl -and 2-propionyl-pyrido[3,4-d]imidazole were identified, along with the corresponding tetrahydropyrido derivatives. 2-Acetyl-pyrido[3,4-d]-imidazole was also formed by heating glucose with tuna fish. Glucose additionally reacts with histidines containing methyl substituents at the 1-, 2-or 3-position to form the corresponding methylated pyrido-imidazoles.We recently observed the formation of 2-acetyl-pyrido [3,4-d]imidazole III by reaction of histidine with glucose under conditions of roasting or autoclaving foods. (7) The corresponding tetrahydro derivative II was also identified by GC/MS. The structure of III was elucidated by means of IR, MS and ^-NMR spectra. This compound class represents a new heterocyclic system which, to our knowledge, was not previously reported until now.
Experimental ProcedureMaterials. Reagent grade L-histidine, D-glucose, and pyruvic aldehyde were obtained from commercial sources. Pyruvic aldehyde, diethyl ether, and dichloromethane were freshly distilled before use.Model System Reactions. The following reaction conditions were utilized:1. Reaction of D-glucose (0.04 mol) with histidine (0.04 mol) in 60 mL of 1.0 M phosphate buffer, pH 5.8.2. Reaction of pyruvic aldehyde (4 mL) with histamine dihydrochloride (0.02 mol) in 60 mL of 1.0 M phosphate buffer, pH 5.8. Reaction mixtures were individually heated and stirred at 120°, 150°, or 180°C for 1 h in a laboratory autoclave fitted with a Teflon insert. After cooling to room temperature, the mixtures were extracted with 5 χ 40 mL of diethyl ether. The combined ether fractions were treated with aqueous sodium bicarbonate, and the residual water in the ether layer was frozen-out at -20°C. After filtration through a plug of cotton, the ether extracts were carefully concentrated to 2 mL using a Vigreux column.