Reaction of -alkylthiazolium halides, including thiamine, with superoxide ion. Chemistry and biological implications.

Abstract N -alkylthiazolium halides are transformed by KO 2 into the corresponding thiazolin-2-ones and thiazolin-2-thiones; the same reactions occur with thiamine, whose thiazolin-2-one pyrophosphate has been reported to be a strong inhibitor of pyruvic dehydrogenase.