Gas chromatographic determination of 2-chloro-1-[[4-[(2,6-dichlorophenoxy)methyl]phenyl]methoxy]-4-methoxybenzene (SCH 48973), a potent anti-picornaviral agent, in dog serum

A gas chromatographic assay for the determination of SCH 48973, a potent br oad spectrum anti-picornaviral agent, was developed and validated in dog se rum. The method involved extraction with organic solvent followed by separa tion on a capillary column (DB-1) with quantitation by an electron-capture detector. The method was sensitive with a limit of quantitation of 10 ng mL (-1). The linearity of the method was satisfactory as indicated by correlat ion coefficients of >0.999 and visual examination of the calibration curves . The method was precise with a coefficient of variation ranging from 2.3 t o 13.2 % and accurate with a bias ranging from -9.1 to 7.9 %. Moreover, SCH 48973 was stable in dog serum after being subjected to three freeze-thaw c ycles. The assay was shown to be sensitive, specific, accurate and precise, and reliable for use in pharmacokinetic or toxicokinetic studies.