Identification of Radiolysis Products of Cytosine Resulting from the Deamination Pathway

Radiolysis products resulting from the deamination pathway were isolated and identified after irradiation of cytosine by gamma rays in neutral aqueous solutions. They were identical to those identified in uracil radiolysis i. e. 5,6-dihydroxy-5,6-dihydro-uracil (cis and trans forms), iso-dialuric acid, alloxan, 5-hydroxy-hydantoin, parabanic acid and oxaluric acid. The absence of 4,4′-di-iso-barbituric acid, alloxantin or iso-barbituric acid could be explained by the good stability of uracil glycols. The identification of buiret proof of potential degradation mechanisms different from these involving of the free radical attack on the 5,6 double bond. Gamma Irradiation of Cytosine in an Aerated Aqueous Solution, I