4.2.1.96 4a-hydroxytetrahydrobiopterin = 6,7-dihydrobiopterin + H2O - - 4.2.1.96 4a-hydroxytetrahydrobiopterin = 6,7-dihydrobiopterin + H2O His61 and His79 act as acid catalysts for the stereospecific elimination of the 4a(R)- and 4a(S)-hydroxyl groups, respectively. The role of His62 is primarily binding substrate with additional component of base catalysis 5940 4.2.1.96 4a-hydroxytetrahydrobiopterin = 6,7-dihydrobiopterin + H2O mechanism 5929 4.2.1.96 4a-hydroxytetrahydrobiopterin = 6,7-dihydrobiopterin + H2O the mechanism of dehydration involves base catalysis at the N(5)-H group of the substrate by His61 5933