Microbial metabolism of bornaprine, 3-(diethylamino)propyl 2-phenylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylate.

Metabolism studies of the anticholinergic drug, bornaprine [3-(diethylamino)propyl 2-phenylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylate, an epimeric mixture], in rats, dogs, and humans have been conducted previously, but the identities of the metabolites were not established. Using an in vitro microbial system to study the metabolism of bornaprine resulted in the isolation of four metabolites whose structures were rigorously established using spectroscopic techniques, especially 13C NMR. The four metabolites found were hydroxylated at C-5 or C-6 in the bicyclic ring.