The reactivity of pyruvic acid with 1, 2-diaminobenzenes was investigated as part of a survey of fluorogenic reagents for α-keto acids of biological importance. Of eight 1, 2- diaminobenzenes tested, 1, 2-diamino-4, 5-methylenedioxybenzene was found to be the best reagent in terms of sensitivity and reactivity. The reagent reacts with α-keto acids in an acidic solution to produce the corresponding fluorescent derivatives, which fluorescent ...
