Aspects of the epimerization of certain tetracycline derivatives

Abstract

Abstract The epimerization of several tetracycline derivatives was examined at several pH values using varying conditions of temperature and buffer strength. Rate coefficients for the epimerization of tetracycline and demethylchlortetracycline are reported and factors associated with the epimerization of chlortetracycline and oxytetracycline are discussed. Under the conditions used calcium had no effect on the rate of epimerization and copper promoted degradation other than epimerization.