Degradation of Epinephrine Induced by Bisulfite

Abstract

Degradation of epinephrine solutions stored in an oxygen free atmosphere in the presence of as little as 0.1 per cent bisulfite occurs at faster rates than in complete absence of bisulfite. Loss of epinephrine chemical activity as determined by the triacetyl derivative procedure occurs with concomitant bisulfite loss. Change in optical rotation and in chemical activity upon storage at 80° in sealed, evacuated ampuls has been studied with various buffer systems at different pH values and with different concentrations of reactants. An inactive degradation product has been isolated and partly characterized.