THE EFFECT OF FE3-SOLUTIONS( ION ON BENZYLPENICILLIN IN MICELLAR AND NONMICELLAR AQUEOUS)

The effect of Fe3+ ions on the hydrolysis of benzylpenicillin in aqueo us solution below and above the critical micellar concentration (c.m.c . = 0.26 M) has been studied. The catalytic effect of Fe3+ ions on hyd rolysis of this drug has been demonstrated; the reaction rate constant , calculated from UV absorption data of non-micellar solutions, decrea ses with concentration. It is likely that Fe3+ ions form complexes wit h the products of degradation. The bright brown slightly soluble produ ct formed in micellar solutions was analyzed by W-Vis reflection, IR a nd mass spectroscopy and, in agreement with the results of elemental a nalysis, is postulated to be an octahedral binuclear complex, Fe2BP4(O H)(2). This study has been linked with the clinical observation that p rolonged treatment with penicillin leads to anaemia.