Formation of Aspartic Acid from Aqueous Mixture of Fumaric Acid and Ammonia by γ-Irradiation

Solutions containing fumaric acid and ammonium hydroxide in various mole ratios were irradiated with γ-rays from 60Co source (3×104 R/hr). The formation of aspartic acid was detected by paper-electrophoresis, and the amounts produced were determined by spectrophotometry. The relation between aspartic acid yield and radiation dose was examined, and found to attain about 12 % at a dose of 3×106 R, though it depended on the amount of fumaric acid used. The mechanism of the reactions involved is discussed.