Photoreactivity of biologically active compounds. XV. Photochemical behaviour of mefloquine in aqueous solution

The photochemical degradation of mefloquine in aqueous solution was studied as a function of pll, oxygen concentration, buffer concentration and ionic strength. The influence of various scavengers on the degradation process w as examined. Formation of superoxide was studied and a reaction pathway was proposed. Seven of the main degradation products were isolated and identif ied. Reaction mechanisms for the formation of the various products were pos tulated. Photochemical degradation of mefloquine in aqueous solution seems to take place from the neutral form of the molecule by formation of the cat ion radical from the excited triplet.