Stereoselective epimerization of pilocarpine in aqueous solution as determined by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract

Cleavage and recyclization of the lactone ring of pilocarpine (1) and of isopilocarpine (2) in D2O with varying pD have been studied by 13C nmr spectroscopy. Alkaline treatment (pD 10–13) results in rapid epimerization of pilocarpine to form isopilocarpine (28 ± 3% at 30 °C) and hydrolysis of the parent compound(s) to form the open chain pilocarpinate (isopilocarpinate). By contrast, isopilocarpine does not epimerize to pilocarpine under similar treatment. A mechanism is discussed for the epimerization of pilocarpine and the nonepimerization of the isopilocarpine is rationalized. pKa values of 5.7 and 8.5, respectively, have been determined for pilocarpinic acid and for the dissociation of the protonated quaternary nitrogen of the imidazole ring of pilocarpine. A basis for assay of degradation products in aqueous pilocarpine solutions utilizing differences in 13C chemical shift for C-8 is discussed.