The enzyme octopamine dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.87) catalyzes the chemical reaction

1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-aminoethanol (4-hydroxyphenyl)acetaldehyde + NH₃

This enzyme belongs to the family of lyases, specifically the hydro-lyases, which cleave carbon-oxygen bonds. The systematic name of this enzyme class is 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-aminoethanol hydro-lyase [deaminating (4-hydroxyphenyl)acetaldehyde-forming]. Other names in common use include octopamine hydrolyase, and octopamine hydro-lyase (deaminating).

• Cuskey SM, Peccoraro V, Olsen RH (1987). "Initial catabolism of aromatic biogenic amines by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO: pathway description, mapping of mutations, and cloning of essential genes". J. Bacteriol. 169 (6): 2398–404. PMC 212074. PMID 3034855.