Photochemistry of riboflavin derivatives in methanolic solutions.

Light-induced degradation of the riboflavin derivatives is reported, including 5-deaza-riboflavin, iso-6,7-riboflavin, 3-methyl-tetra-acetyl-riboflavin (3MeTARF), and 3-benzyl-lumiflavin. The studied compounds undergo photolytic processes with considerable quantum yields in methanolic solutions (φ ≈ 10(-3)-10(-4) mol einst(-1)). Photolysis in anaerobic conditions is more efficient than that in the presence of oxygen. Experiments show that triplet excited state of flavin molecules is involved in the reactions. The main photoproducts are the respective alloxazinic and isoalloxazinic derivatives of the substrates. 3MeTARF reveals higher photostability than riboflavin. The values of photodegradation quantum yields were estimated for the four studied derivatives.