title: The Ruff degradation: a review of previously proposed mechanisms with evidence that the reaction proceeds by a Hofer-Moest-type reaction.
abstract: The Ruff degradation reaction is critically reviewed. Based on available information, the Hofer-Moest decarboxylation mechanism is presented as the mechanism for it. Cu(III) is proposed as the active species of the copper variant of the Ruff degradation, which is the most efficient form of the reaction.
authors.affiliation: Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research, Purdue University, 745 Agriculture Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47906-2009, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Stapley
authors.forename: James N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: BeMiller
mesh_terms: D002384:Catalysis; D019343:Citric Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D003653:Decarboxylation; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D005942:Gluconates / Q000737:chemistry; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000737:chemistry; D008956:Models, Chemical; D010777:Photochemistry; D013400:Sugar Acids / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D005290:Ferric Compounds; D005942:Gluconates; D013400:Sugar Acids; D019343:Citric Acid; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide