[40] Preparation and characterization of chloramines

This chapter discusses the preparation and characterization of chloramines. Chloramines represent an important class of leukocyte oxidants and contribute to oxidative microbicidal, cytotoxic and cytolytic activities, the chemical modification of regulatory substances, and the uptake and metabolism of nitrogen compounds. These are products of the reaction of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) or other chlorinating agents with primary and secondary amines. The production of HOCl by leukocytes is the result of peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of chloride (Cl – ) by hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). HOCl is in equilibrium with hypochlorite (OCl – ) and chlorine (Cl 2 ). The most abundant N-moieties available for reaction with HOCl in biological systems are primary amino groups, such as taurine, polyamines, amino sugars, lysine residues, and protein amino termini. Leukocyte peroxidases catalyze the oxidation of bromide (Br – ), iodide (I – ), thiocyanate (SCN – ), and Cl – . N–Cl derivatives are used within minutes of preparation to avoid decomposition or rearrangement. However, most are stable at 4° for hours or days at the appropriate pH.