STUDIES ON THE THERMAL AND PHOTOCHEMICAL DECOMPOSITION OF MEBENDAZOLE

TLC analysis of sun- and UV-decomposed samples of mebendazole solution s revealed the presence of three spots under UV light. These were foun d to be due to the unchanged drug M (Rf=0.33) and two decomposition pr oducts I (Rf = 0.58) and II (Rf = 0.82). The major decomposition produ ct I (Rf = 0.58) was isolated, purified and analyzed using different a nalytical techniques. The kinetic studies showed that the photo-decomp osition of mebendazole appeared to follow first-order reaction kinetic s. The rate of photo-decomposition was dependent on intensity of radia tion, concentration of the drug, pH, solvent and additive.