On the oxido-degradation of emetine

Sánchez-Viesca Francisco * and Gómez Reina

Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City (CDMX), Mexico.
 
Research Article
Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews, 2021, 02(01), 045–049
Article DOI: 10.30574/msarr.2021.2.1.0044
Publication history: 
Received on 15 April 2021; revised on 30 May 2021; accepted on 01 June 2021
 
Abstract: 
The reaction series occurring during the degradation process of a complex molecule is seldom disclosed. The interest is enhanced if the molecule under consideration has biological activity, as is the case of emetine. In this communication we provide the reactions that take place during the oxidation of this five ringed molecule. The electron flow, step by step, is given from the alkaloid to the different oxidation products obtained with several oxidizers. Since chloric acid is a strong oxidant, we describe the degradation process with this reagent. The route is correct inasmuch as the same products were obtained, including the intermediates.
 
Keywords: 
Carbon acid; Chloric acid; Chloryl cation; Free radicals; Hyper conjugation; Reactive intermediates
 
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