Covalent addition of H2O, enzyme substrates and activators to pyrrolo-quinoline quinone, the coenzyme of quinoproteins.

The fluorescence excitation and the adsorption spectrum of 2,7,9-tricarboxy-1H-pyrrolo [2,3-f]quinoline-4,5-dione (pyrrolo-quinoline quinone, PQQ), measured in the pH range 7.0-10.0, are quite different. However, when the temperature of the solution is lowered, the shape and maxima of these spectra become more similar. 1H-NMR in 2H2O revealed a temperature-dependent equilibrium between PQQ and a hydrated form. Evidence is presented that low temperature favours the formation of the fluorescing species which is PQQ, hydrated at the C-5 position. Even further hydration is possible since absorption, fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy of PQQ in borate buffer pH 10.0 reveal additional hydration at the C-4 position, pointing to a dihydrate. PQQ also reacts with quinoprotein enzyme substrates and activators. Spectroscopic measurements showed the existence of 5-alkoxy-5-hydroxy-PQQ and 5-amino-5-hydroxy-PQQ in the presence of alcohols and 2 M NH4Cl, pH 9.0, respectively. In the latter case, the existence of 5-imino-PQQ could also be demonstrated. Addition compounds with amines appear to be unstable. The amines become probably oxidized because pyrrolo-quinoline quinol (PQQH2) was found as the reaction product. On the other hand, an addition compound containing an imino bond could be isolated after addition of urea to a PQQ solution. Spectral characteristics of PQQ and its addition compounds are presented since these data are necessary for the spectral analysis of quinoproteins and the quantitative estimation of coenzyme.