1.2.1.39 phenylacetaldehyde + NAD+ + H2O = phenylacetate + NADH + H+ - - 1.2.1.39 phenylacetaldehyde + NAD+ + H2O = phenylacetate + NADH + H+ sequential reaction mechanism in which NAD+ serves as both the leading substrate and homotropic allosteric activator, catalytic mechanism involving E169, E267, and C301, overview. The catalytic Glu has two conformations: a passive conformer that tucks away to allow hydride transfer to the nicotinamide ring, and an active conformer that abstracts a proton from the thioester-deacylating water -, 741787