Reducing Agent‐Mediated Nonenzymatic Conversion of 2‐Oxoglutarate to Succinate: Implications for Oxygenase Assays

l ‐Ascorbate ( l ‐Asc) is often added to assays with isolated Fe II ‐ and 2‐oxoglutarate (2OG)‐dependent oxygenases to enhance activity. l ‐Asc is proposed to be important in catalysis by some 2OG oxygenases in vivo . We report observations on the nonenzymatic conversion of 2OG to succinate, which is mediated by hydrogen peroxide generated by the reaction of l ‐Asc and dioxygen. Slow nonenzymatic oxidation of 2OG to succinate occurs with some,...