The decomposition of S-nitrosated dithiols: A model for vicinal nitrosothiols in enzymes

Model dithiol compounds were S-nitrosated and the kinetics of their decompositions were studied. Rate constants for intramolecular homolysis of dinitrosated dithiols varied from 1.6 to 10 × 10−3 s−1. Rate constants for intramolecular heterolysis of mononitrosated dithiols varied from 4 to 32 × 10−4 s−1. Similar reactions may account for the effects of NO and nitrovasodilators on some enzymes.