Effects of hypochlorite on thiamine and its derivatives

Summary Thiamine and its phosphorylated derivatives reacted with hypochlorite with reaction rates following the order: thiamine>thiamine monophosphate>thiamine diphosphate from pH4.0 to 6.5. At least one unknown transient intermediate was formed and at least one non-thiochrome product was fluorescent. Chemiluminescence was also observed.We thank the International Foundation for Science, Sweden, and the Thai University Development Council for financial support.