Non-enzymic phosphorylation of polyphosphoinositides and phosphatidic acid is catalysed by bivalent metal ions.

Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and phosphatidic acid undergo non-enzymic phosphorylation by ATP in the presence of bivalent metal ions. The non-enzymic reaction is more rapid in a mixture of water, chloroform and methanol than in water alone. Chemical evidence indicates that the product formed from phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate is the corresponding 4-pyrophosphate. This product shows an RF value very close to that of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate on t.l.c. with an acidic solvent commonly used to characterize and measure the latter; however, it can be separated readily with an alkaline solvent. Chemical evidence indicates that the products formed from phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and phosphatidic acid are also pyrophosphates.