Synthesis of peroxynitrite using isoamyl nitrite and hydrogen peroxide in a homogeneous solvent system

A method for the synthesis of peroxynitrite is described. It involves nitrosation of H2O2 at pH ⩾ 12.5 by isoamyl or butyl nitrite in mixed solvents of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and water at 25 ± 1 °C. Maximum yields of peroxynitrite are obtained after 15 min of incubation at IPA concentrations of 30–70% (v/v). The solutions of peroxynitrite are processed for removal of IPA and isoamyl alcohol by solvent extraction. Unreacted H2O2 is removed by catalytic decomposition on granular MnO2. The post processed solutions of peroxynitrite are useful in several chemical and biochemical investigations where bolus additions are required. The method as reported is amenable for large scale synthesis as it involves sequential mixing of solvents (water and IPA) to alkali followed by the addition of H2O2 and alkyl nitrite.