A New Radiolysis Mechanism for 2′-Deoxyadenosine in Aqueous Deaerated Solution

The effect of ionizing radiation on 2'-deoxyadenosine in aqueous deaerated solution gives rise to various products, among them: 9-(2-deoxy-..cap alpha..-D-erythro-pentopyranosyl)-adenine, 9-(2-deoxy-..beta..-D-erythro-pentopyranosyl)adenine, 9-(2-deoxy-..cap alpha..-D-erythro-pentofuranosyl)adenine. The formation of these compounds may be explained by the opening of the C/sub 1/'-O bond of the deoxyribose residue during the radiolysis which probably produces a Schiff's base-type intermediate and leads to rearrangement of the initial molecule into its four ..cap alpha..- and ..beta..-pyranoic and furanoic forms.